So I have actually finally decided to take everyones advice and see a mental health professional. I also struggle with sleeping and other issues and I feel like this just makes things worse. I think the transition to Japan definitely took a lot out of me and was a kind of shock to my nerves. Lets just put it this way, my fragile ADHd self obviously had an extreme bad reaction nerves and mental health wise to this adaptation. I realized after thought its time I stop being lazy and actually do something. I hid all this from all of my friends in Japan which probably made things worse becausw it just built up and caused more anxiety and paranoia. Most of it is because im afraid of judgement. So my friends basically think im completely normal and have no issues besides culture shock which I did talk about. This is probably whenever im having an anxiety episode I come to Reddit . That is inconsiderate of me but I hope people understand.
With this said , does anyone know any therapists or psychologist places which are english speaking where I can get treated or seen to? I am prepared to do online therapy too. Or would I be better off looking for one in Australia,New Zealand or Singapore online(Due to timezone)
Btw edit: I love that whenever I had my rants in my past posts when I had anxiety attacks people were so quick to rush to comment on how paranoid I was and how im a wack person and need help, but now when I make a post actually asking for advice about where to go for help, nobody responds and I just get downvoted. Thanks to those that actually responded with links.
13 comments
This seems like a post about shopping, maybe your question is solved by [the wiki page](https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/wiki/shopping)?
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I’m sorry for what you are going through. Be assured that you are not alone.
r/JapanMentalHealth
I hope you find the support you need soon
Take a look at http://www.tokyopsychotherapy.com
You could contact [TELL](https://telljp.com/) and see what resources are available where you live.
It’s no secret that Japan isn’t easy when you have mental health issues, and even a quick Google search will show you bad reviews from Japanese people at tons of mental health clinics saying things like “The doctor told me he didn’t understand why I was sad and that I should be happy” blah blah blah. I suffer from depression and anxiety, and I’m a recovering alcoholic as well. I went to standard clinic out in the countryside to find out what was causing my nerve damage, and as long as I’ve been denying it, they chalked it up to alcoholism. Although they weren’t psychiatrists, they prescribed me medicine for depression anyway (which isn’t typical in the US where I’m from). It actually helped a lot. You might try going to a regular clinic and try explaining your situation. Even if you can’t find a psychiatrist, a combination of medicine and people who understand how you feel whether it’s online or in person, can go a long way. Remember that there’s nothing wrong with medicine if you have a chemical imbalance. Think of it as insulin for your brain! But if you’re reluctant to take medicine though, I completely understand. That’s my two cents.
Best bet is this. It’s a list of foreign and foreign friendly therapists and their locations. Most should offer a sliding scale payment system and remote therapy too. https://www.imhpj.org/
Here’s a list of mental health providers in Singapore. I’m Singaporean and have had zoom sessions with several of my therapists. If you need more info feel free to dm me:
https://www.aic.sg/resources/Documents/Brochures/Mental%20Health/Mind%20Matters%20Resource%20Directory%20Listings.PDF
Definitely avoid the Berger guy or whatever he calls himself these days! The boogeyman of the subreddit
Other than TELL, I don’t have other recommendations, OP. But I’m glad you’re going to take care of your mental health.
I used BetterHelp. It’s hit or miss on whether or not you get the right person you need, but once you do, it’s really good. My therapist is from the UK and she’s lovely.
If you live in Tokyo I can recommend one that takes national insurance; after your initial session (~5000 yen?), subsequent 20-minute sessions cost about 1350 yen.
I’m glad I started going there; they don’t overload you with drugs or anything like that. The value is in the outside perspective; the counselor can tell you when the people around you who are causing your mental problems are lying to you or “gaslighting” you.
Send me a PM if you need it.
Go back home. You don’t want to hear it but it’s the best advice you’ll receive.
In response to your edit, nobody is obligated to read or reply to any post on social media. You aren’t being treated unfairly or singled out.
Seems like you’ve had plenty of positive replies and good advice. Best of luck to you, I hope you feel better in yourself soon.