D.
Dear Dr. Hank,
I’m really worried about my son, Gary. As a young man, I think, he should have friends to hang out with when he has free time and should show great interest in something new. I feel he should find a job which will lead him to a bright future. However, after Gary finished school, he had problems getting along with his co-workers and following his boss’s orders, no matter what job he did. So he kept changing jobs until he gave up on working altogether. All he can do now is sleep during the day and stay up all night playing video games or watching anime. He seldom talks with me or his dad. What’s worse is that it’s been three years since he got out of our house last time.
Several days ago, I watched the TV news about why more and more young people become otaku. I was surprised to learn Gary may be an otaku. How can I help him?A troubled motherClairDear Clair,I’m really sorry to hear that you and Gary are experiencing a difficult time. However, I think Gary sounds more like a hikikomori, not an otaku. Otaku are known for having a strong interest in something, especially comic books and anime, but they aren’t afraid of going out or meeting people. For hikikomori, they usually lose confidence in themselves and the people around. Then they seldom or never leave their homes for months or even for years.To pull Gary out of it, the help from parents is the most important. Let him know if he needs any help, you’ll always be there. Also, “Hikikomori Help Centers” come up with many programs to help them fully reintegrate back into the real world. These will help them live their lives as other people do.
Dr. Hank
■anime動畫 troubled憂慮的 confidence 信心