More hidden adults emerging in Singapore as social workers take outreach online

Singapore's social service agencies are witnessing an increase in adults who have withdrawn from society for extended periods of time. Reaching these individuals can be challenging, leading some social workers to turn to online games and platforms to make initial contact. One such worker, Ms Stephanie Tan, navigates a role-playing game with a long-haired character to build rapport with "hidden adults" – people who rarely leave their homes or rooms.

Fei Yue and TOUCH Community Services have each handled about 40 and 250 enquiries, respectively, involving withdrawn adults, a significant rise from previous years. Ms Tan and her team engage with potential clients through direct messages on platforms like Twitch and Discord, gradually building trust. David, a client with depression and anxiety, has been supported by Fei Yue since April last year.

Monthly in-person counselling sessions have helped him manage his mental health and find a job after a two-year period of isolation. However, his anxiety remains, and he feels he has "gone back to square one". Experts stress that there is no specific definition of a hidden adult, but prolonged withdrawal for three to six months is a key indicator.

Such individuals may have underlying psychiatric conditions like social anxiety and depression, and some may also have autistic traits. While online communities can offer crucial social connections, they can also contribute to prolonged physical withdrawal. Experts warn that missing developmental milestones during adolescence and young adulthood can have lasting consequences, affecting education, career, and personal relationships. Some hidden adults may try to mask their withdrawal, making detection more difficult.