*
*
Want To Listen To The Article Instead?
*
*
NOTE: Images Copyright © Maika Elan
*
*
Transcript of the Podcast:
Here’s a disclaimer. This post discusses loneliness and death. Please be warned.
In January of 2020, if anyone would tell me that I would have to go on this self-imposed isolation for months on end, I would have laughed.
As it turns out, not only did we go on isolation, we have stayed and managed to survive it. But imagine this type of a phenomenon that has been prevalent since the late 1990’s in Japan where people were retreating inwards and hiding out in their homes for decades on end?
There is word for that in Japan, and it is called Hikikomori.
Hikikomoris are people who are socially withdrawn often by their own volition.
They are currently 1.5 million Hikikomoris in Japan according to Tamaki Saito, the psychologist who coined the term.
These people are isolated socially, psychologically and spatially.
They are your modern day hermits, often not leaving their bedrooms for months and years on end.
The real reason why these men and women choose to become recluse is multifaceted.
1. There are young people who just stop going to school because they’re not able to keep up with the pressure of the rigor at school.
2. There are the youth who can’t land a job after graduating college.
3. There are retirees who don’t feel the need to leave home once their daily job that defined their existence ceases to exist.
No matter what the reason, there are a few things in common.
These people have either been bullied badly, or have conditions like ADHD and OCD and other mental disorders that have gone unchecked for years. There are also these people who seem to be overwhlemed by society’s demands to perform and conform to its standards.
No matter who we’re talking about, they simply can’t or won’t keep up with the times.
Call them people with social phobias, rebels, or internet addicts, it seems like more and more women are adopting this life style.
And here’s the bigger problem.
Most of these folks have family members who’re terribly embarrassed to acknowledge that their family has a member who is a Hikikomori. And that’s keeping them for seeking help for themselves and their loved ones.
Often parents are overwhelmed because they have to provide food and shelter and round the clock physical and emotional care for these helpless Hikikomoris.
So what do these HK do all day?
Usually they are up all night playing video games and chess with strangers online, and they surf the web and shop online so that they don’t have to leave home.
And they sleep late into the day.
I came across this phenomenon on a YouTube video where a 67 year old retiree who was a Hikikomori had died after slipping and falling in his home. Neighbors had complained of the smell after 2 months and that’s when a cleaning crew had found his decaying body.
So here’s my question.
This is a symptom of what is happening in Japan right now. But is there anything we can do to prevent such a thing
a. From happening in the first place.
b. People in other countries adopting this phenomenon?
Of course the govt. of Japan has started acknowledging this problem since 2 years and is offering incentives to people who are willing to leave their homes for even a few hours a week. And private companies like Rent-A-Sister, are offering services of women who don’t have enough medical training to be companions and coax these young men out of their forced solitary lives.
But, here’s what I think.
Most of these people start off isolating themselves initially with hopes of getting better enough to integrate into normal society. But as time passes, the shame and guilt gets compounded. They worry if people are judging them as spoilt or lazy. They start feeling like they have become powerless, and abandoned. Eventually they are left with no desire to do anything substantial.
But what if we create awareness and provide education to all our children that their lives matter. And there is potential in each and every child to make a positive impact in the world?
What if instead of prizing productivity and competition in our society, we see our children and youth for who they are and encourage their positive engagement?
What if we care for each other’s as humans and communicate as much in words and actions towards one another.
And what if parents who are in these situations stop personalizing this issues and see themselves as failure and seek the help that they and children so desperately need?
* * *
About The Article Author:
Our mission with FutureSTRONG Academy – to grow children who respect themselves, their time and their capabilities in a world where distractions are just a click or a swipe away.
I see myself as an advocate for bringing social, emotional and character development to families, schools and communities. I never want to let this idea out of my sight – Our children are not just GPAs. I’m a Writer and a Certified Master Coach in NLP and CBT. Until 2017, I was also a Big Data Scientist. In December of 2044, I hope to win the Nobel. Namasté.
Write to me or call me. Tell me what support from me looks like.
Rachana Nadella-Somayajula,
Program Director & Essential Life Skills Coach for Kids and Busy Parents
CONFIDENCE - A Pillar of FutureSTRONG Academy
Our children will one day face the real world without our support. Academic development is not the only skill they will need in the real world where people skills like taking the lead, emotional intelligence and a strong moral compass will determine who will shine. So, as parents who want to raise well rounded adults, we want to give them the right tools for their personal development.
Here is CONFIDENCE as described as the 6 C’s of Future STRONG.
Find Below Better Strategies On Unstoppable CONFIDENCE
Self Efficacy: How The Belief In Yourself Is The First Step Towards Goal Setting
* What Is Self Efficacy: The American Psychological Association defines Self-efficacy this way. "Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments (Bandura, 1977,...
Why Fear Death When It Can Be The Biggest Motivator Of All
* Our Relationship With Immortality: People who don’t know what to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon want to live forever. That’s the lure of immortality. All throughout our lives, we strive for wealth, fame, knowledge and happiness. We also long for immortality...
Understanding Relationship Etiquette In A World Of Faceless Usernames And Two Dimensional Emojis
* How We Learnt FOMO: Listen, I have nothing against technology. I can turn on and off the lights in my house from 200 miles away if I need to. During the pandemic, we bought a new car without ever stepping out of the house. What’s more, I don't have to wait...
Here’s How To Preserve A Keen Sense Of Wellbeing On A Daily Basis
* Let’s Define Wellbeing: As humans, we’re driven by this singular goal. What do you want in life? Ask anyone and surely most times it will be a “I just want to be happy!” So, let’s see how our happiness is determined by how we feel about ourselves on a daily...
Legalization Of Marijuana Will Not Help The Teen Mental Health Epidemic. Studies Prove It.
* Effects of Marijuana and How Parents can Help: Why is it important for parents to be informed about marijuana? Young people who use marijuana are 4 to 7 times more likely than adults to become addicted to marijuana; however, the longer teens and young...
Choose Coffee Over Emojis – Make Deep Connections Offline Before It’s Too Late {Video}
* https://youtu.be/jmDKgFwWi5w * Want To Listen To The Article Instead? * Cited Works: https://www.todayonline.com/gen-y-speaks/gen-y-speaks-it-took-losing-my-friend-make-me-realise-how-i-can-be-much-better-friend-2043256...
Hit Hard By Chronic Loneliness? Here’s How To Take Charge And Help Yourself.
The Antidote To Loneliness Yes, there is joy, fulfillment, and companionship, but the loneliness of the soul in its appalling self-consciousness is horrible and overpowering. ~ Sylvia Plath Questions, just ask! Text or Call: 678.310.5025 | Email:...
How To Turn Your Passion for Video Games Into a Flourishing Career
* Not Just A Hobby: You’re passionate about gaming and don’t want it to be just a hobby. You’re dreaming of creating your own video game and launching a career in the gaming industry. You’re not alone — millions of gamers around the world are in the same boat!...
A Sustainable And Scientific Approach Handbook To Positive Productivity
* Recover Fast And Often: If you want to be a productivity machine, there are few things you will have to consider. The first one is the obvious mindset change. That, even if we get distracted for a few moments in a day, all is not lost. We literally can...
Every Child Can Live To Their Ultimate Potential. Help Them With The 3 B’s.
* Early from childhood, our live and our circumstances determine our inherent human potential. For us to become productive and contributing members of society, there are three key factors that should work in our favor. The 3 B’s of reaching our highest...
Peer And Parental Expectations. How Not To Crush Your Child’s Self Confidence And Self Esteem.
* Self Confidence Vs. Self Esteem? Wikipedia: The concept of self-confidence is commonly used as self-assurance in one's personal judgment, abilities, power, etc. The definition of self confidence of a child is not unilateral. Its determined based on a...
Every Goal We Set Begins With The Clarity Of Intention. Here’s How To Achieve It.
* The Yogic Guide To Goal Setting: Kalpana and Vikalpa are two words that are derived from the word Kalpa that means imaginative creation. Vikalpa refers to our imagination or fantasy. It is daydreaming, or thinking of things that don't exist. Another word...
4 Business Start-up Steps For Young Entrepreneurs In 2023
* Timeless Strategies For Young Entrepreneurs: For young entrepreneurs, starting a business can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with the right mindset and sound planning, you’ll be able to turn your business idea into a successful venture. In this...
7 Action Packed Steps To Prepare For Entrepreneurship
* A Path For Successful Entrepreneurship: For many, entrepreneurship is an exciting adventure that can be quite rewarding. But if you’re serious about launching your own business, there are a few essential steps that must be taken to set yourself up for...
The Journey Of Our Life Can Be One That’s Filled With A Purpose. Here’s How To Find It.
* Grounds To Thrive: I keep looking around at those who are on their way to understanding their calling and their true potential in life. It is easy to understand that the pursuit of self-actualization is not possible without the basics in life - safety and...
Want To Crush It In Life? Start With These Thoughts That Will Help You Shine.
* Below are a few quotes, they will bend your mind, help you shut out the chatter and give your mind a steady purpose. Ever wonder why that persistent monologue in our head seems to be out there to get us? It doesn't allow us to celebrate our wins whole...
The Dangers Of Comparison Traps And Helping Our Teens Lower Their Unrealistic Standards
* Choices Vs. Decisions: Usually, the main reason why we don’t like to make a choice quickly is because we fear missing out on the best option available or regretting our choice we make now. Also, how can we choose when we might need everything that is being...
Questions, just ask!
Text or Call: 678.310.5025 | Email: info@futurestrongacademy.com
Bringing a Group? Email us for a special price!