Social anxiety treatment in Japan

3 comments

1. Please check out the medical resources on the [wiki!](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/wiki/medical)

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2. Q1 Doctors will often prescribe you a medication in the first visit. Probably, you will be given a common medication that is likely approved for use in your home country as well.

   Q2 There are hundreds of medications. Not every medication will work for everyone. You often need to try multiple medications until you get one that works for you. Usually, for anxiety, a doctor might prescribe 2 medications right away. One to take everyday to help stabilize your condition and another to take as needed when you have an anxiety attack.

   Q3 If you’re taking about medication, typically you’ll go every 2 weeks or so while starting so the doctor can manage side effects. Once you’re stabilized, most people go once a month.

   Q4 Lots of medications (even those that are not related to anxiety) have side effects as your body adjusts to the medication. Some people have long term side effects but have decided the benefits of the medication are worth dealing with side effects. Typical side effects can include weight loss/gain, drowsiness, lack of sex drive, etc. Of course if you are having strong side effects, you just need to speak with your doctor about changing the medication. Some medications can be addictive, things like xanax (alprazolam), klonopin (clonazepam), and other benzos. It’s important not to abuse them as they can cause “rebound anxiety”.

   If you are thinking about some other methods, talk therapy can be effective but is not covered by insurance here. Some people also see chinese medicine (kanpo) practitioners. This is also usually not covered by insurance.

   Also, you can typically make an appointment at any mental health clinic. They’ll often ask you to come at noon on a specific day of the week (last appointment of the morning) so they can do a long appointment. After the first appointment, sessions are much shorter and can be scheduled for any time/day.

   Mental health treatment is not a quick fix. You may not notice any changes in your behavior/feelings for a couple months. It’s important to give medications a chance to work. You also need to be aware that some things won’t work for you and that’s ok. You just try another one. It’s a good idea to have a support system like family or friends to support you in your treatment as well. Also, it’s entirely possible that a medication could make you feel worse, in that case, you should call your doctor immediately.

   Source: worked in a pharmacy in the US, have been to clinics for anxiety management in jp

   Good luck in your mental health journey

3. I always thought that social anxiety in a place like Tokyo must be like being in Hell.