His son spent 1.5 years locked away in his room – Part 1/2 #shutdown

For 1.5 years, teenager “John” has stayed behind a closed door while his parents wait for any sign that he is ready to reconnect.

John’s father, Chuah Soon Ann, says he has not seen his son since he was 13. To avoid crossing paths with anyone at home, John emerges only in the middle of the night and even limits how much water he drinks. His mother keeps a daily record of every meal left outside his room, noting what was eaten and what was left untouched.

Soon Ann says a psychiatrist told the family there was little more they could do. Meanwhile, a social worker spent a year trying to reach John. Then, after months of silence, John finally stepped out of his room.

Shutdown gains rare access to four teenagers in Singapore navigating social withdrawal, and the families and social workers trying to help them find a way back.

Watch the full documentary, Shutdown.

#cnainsider #mentalhealth #hikikomori

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3 Comments

  1. in Finland the person would be mentally broken and yelled if he would isolate, probably would get medicated and eventually social workers would move him in mental housing for kids.