Suicide Motives and Protective Factors-Contributions from a Hikikomori Discussion Board

The study describes reasons why hikikomoris or socially withdrawn people consider committing suicide, and factors that prevent them from committing the act. 2,644 anonymous messages were collected in May 2020 from a Finnish hikikomori discussion forum and analyzed using netnography and inductive content analysis. Suicides motives involved experiences of failure, loneliness and worthlessness, often combined with mental health problems and triggered by loss of employment or significant relationship. Lack of courage was a common reason for not committing suicide. The role of family in preventing suicide is significant, along with support from professionals. Family and individualized interventions are discussed briefly.