Snail syndrome: what is it and how to deal with it?

The snail syndrome designates a tendency to extreme isolation that mainly affects adolescents and young people. We tell you what it is and how to prevent it.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

Last update: 21 April, 2022

Social interaction is crucial for human beings at any stage of life, but it is especially necessary for children and adolescents. Contact with nature and with their peers, and creative activities in the open air are essential for their development. Unfortunately, the cases of minors who isolate themselves from the environment have grown in recent timesmany come to suffer from the “snail syndrome”.

This psychological condition is known in Japan by the term “hikikomori”, which means “acute social isolation.” It is a very common problem in the Japanese country, but it has crossed borders and threatens the well-being of children and young people around the world. For this reason, it is essential to know and prevent it.

What is snail syndrome?

This syndrome is characterized by voluntary and prolonged social isolation. The person deliberately chooses to withdraw from social life for long periods of time, secluding himself at home or in her room and extremely limiting his contact with the world.

In the most serious cases, even exchanges with the family nucleus can be limited, they can abandon their studies and reject any possibility of obtaining a job. Furthermore, these young take refuge in technology as a means of leisure, entertainment and socializationmaking excessive use of it.

This phenomenon occurs at any age, even in children as young as 8 or 10 years old; however, it is more frequent in adolescents and young people. For this reason, parents have to pay special attention to the signs to detect it early and intervene appropriately.

What are the warning signs?

It is worth mentioning that not all people are equally sociable They are not related in the same way. Just because some kids want to spend less time with their peers than others doesn’t mean they have a problem. Nor is it worrying that they enjoy being at home. All this can be a sign of an introverted personality, totally healthy.

However, when these tendencies are taken to the extremeor is when the situation gets complicated. Thus, these are some of the main signs that can alert you that the isolation is starting to be problematic:

• Silk a significant change in behavior. The minor abandons his obligations, daily activities and even leisure activities to remain confined at home or in his room.
• Your attitude is irritable, quick-tempered, or apathetic. There is a noticeable change of mood compared to previous moments and negative emotions predominate.
• Life habits are negatively modified. A) Yes, disturbances in eating or sleeping may occur. The child eats unhealthily and has insufficient rest and after hours.
• There is abusive use of screens and digital devices. These occupy most of the young person’s time, stealing space from other activities (including sleep) and generating a loss of control or difficulty in stopping their use.

Possible causes of snail syndrome

There is no single cause that explains the appearance of snail syndrome, but there is Several factors have been found to contribute to this tendency to extreme isolation:

• The importance they have gained Internet and technology In today’s life, the risk of generating dependency and addiction has increased in many young people. An indiscriminate use of these devices can seriously harm social life, encourages a sedentary lifestyle and the loss of contacts and real interactions.
• Experiencing difficulties or adversity it can lead to isolation when they are not adequately managed and coped with. Seclusion is a way of escaping from a world that is hostile and harmful.
• Has been found that, in most cases, those with this syndrome have comorbidities with other psychological disorders, such as psychosis or anxiety. Therefore, it could be a secondary manifestation of these pathologies.
• Finally, it is undeniable the impact that the recent global health crisis has had regarding this phenomenon. The restrictions imposed on social life and the fear of dying or infecting vulnerable family members have led many young people to excessive isolation.

Prevention and treatment of snail syndrome

The treatment of this syndrome is long and complex., especially because of the difficult access to patients. Restoring social life and daily activities after years of isolation is not easy, as a significant fear of interaction or life outside the four walls of the home may have been generated.

A) Yes, the key lies in prevention and where at-risk youth can be identified and supported early. In this regard, the following points are important:

• Promote a healthy lifestyle since childhood, betting on the practice of sports and leisure activities in the open air. Making family plans regularly can be very positive.
• Encourage the social exchange of children, providing them with different opportunities and environments: extracurricular activities, camps, courses, workshops… This allows them to connect with like-minded people and enjoy the benefits of social bonds. Also, it is good to reinforce your current friendships by creating joint activities or inviting them to spend time in the family home.
• Supervise the use that the minor makes of technology, preventing it from being excessive and setting clear limits. For example, screens should not be allowed at night or during meal times.
• If the insulation is already present, you should avoid reproaches and criticism, and opt for listening and understanding. Understanding why your child is adopting this attitude is what will allow you to offer him the support he needs.

In short, you should remain alert to possible warning signs, since it is a phenomenon that has increased in recent years. If you suspect that your children or someone close to you is beginning to isolate themselves excessively, do not ignore it and encourage them to seek professional help.

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