Alone time is often seen as a healing practice that enables us to recharge and think clearly 🧘♀️ However, it’s important to recognize when this “me time” shifts into something more concerning, such as avoidance and emotional escapism. This video delves into the signs that indicate alone time may be evolving into a harmful coping pattern, particularly when it leads to increased social withdrawal and isolation, depriving us of essential support and connection.
We discuss the safety that comes from being alone and how this comfort can become habit-forming. One notable concept introduced is that of hikikomori, a form of extreme social withdrawal prevalent in Japan, where individuals withdraw for extended periods. The Japanese have developed various methods to help individuals reintegrate into society including community support systems and structured programs that prioritize rebuilding social skills and confidence over time.
Further readings include:
1. Kato, T. A., Kanba, S., & Teo, A. R. (2018). Hikikomori: Experience in Japan and international relevance. World Psychiatry, 17(1), 105–106.
2. Teo, A. R., & Gaw, A. C. (2010). Hikikomori, a Japanese culture-bound syndrome of social withdrawal? A proposal for DSM-5. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 198(6), 444–449.
3. Tajan, N. (2015). Social withdrawal and psychiatry: A comprehensive review of hikikomori. Neuropsychiatrie de l’Enfance et de l’Adolescence, 63(5), 324–331.
If you’ve been spending too much time in isolation, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way! The good news is that connection can be relearned, and with gentle steps, you can rebuild your comfort in social situations.
By Psych2Go