Hi, I’m a foreign student here. I’ve always been introvert but lately, I’ve been struggling with what feels like an increasing bout of social anxiety. It’s become so overwhelming that I find myself shaking when I have to talk to people, and even just walking around my university campus makes me really sweaty due to the crowds.
I’m wondering if anyone here has experience with seeking help for social anxiety in Tokyo. Is it possible to get medication for this issue in Japan, and if so, what’s the process like?
I’d also really appreciate any advice or tips on managing social anxiety. It’s been affecting my daily life, and I’d love to hear from others who have been through similar experiences.
4 comments
Hello. I also get anxiety. I’m talking to a therapist, other people find that medication works.
Typically if you visit a doctor for it they will prescribe you medication. Japanese health insurance does not provide robust cover that includes therapy.
Evaluations at doctors are short (as with everything) and they will prescribe you drugs. This is not specific to Japan. A lot of people in other countries get out on mental health meds with less than ideal evaluations.
If you want therapy a good point of contact is tell.jp for English speaking therapists. This will not be covered by insurance but they offer income adjusted rates.
If you feel more comfortable in a language other than English or come from a country where therapy is cheaper, or live outside Tokyo, then consider remote options.
Having tried both I would say that therapy is very long term, but ultimately my preferred option. Some people do find that a little bit of a push from medication can shift their perspective, but other people just get left on the stuff long term (I had this experience outside of Japan, everywhere is the same). So if you choose this option, discuss with your doctor when you can consider coming off the medication, and remember to specifically evaluate this and set a reminder in your phone calendar.
Good luck!
Your campus should have a mental health advisor but it would be a good idea to get a nutritional test by an internal doctor at your local clinic. Low vitamin D, potassium, magnesium, calcium, E, and niacin can cause depression, jitters and nervousness. For example, even if I didn’t feel nervous emotionally it was difficult to look strangers in the eye.
You can find a lot of past discussions about this that may be helpful, [try this Google search](https://www.google.com/search?q=anxiety+treatment+site%3Areddit.com%2Fr%2Fjapanlife).
And be sure to remember to avoid getting treatment from the burger guy in Tokyo. He keeps changing his name to dodge the bad reviews, but it’s always “bur”-something or “ber”-something.
You have already been given some good advice.
1. Your uni. should have a counseling center. Talk to them. No on will judge you. It is their job and they are their to help.
2. You may need to be put on anti-anxiety meds AKA benzos. This will require a trip to a clinic. Your uni. should have contacts for this.
3. You also may need psychotherapy/clinical psychology. This is different than seeing a doctor.
There is no shame in this. You aren’t “crazy” or “mental.” But nip it in the bud or it will only get worse. Keep your fucking head up!