Job Discussion Forums

[Simplicity]

I'm about to accept a job in Wuhan, but before I do I'd like to know a few things about mental health in China (I can't find much on Google). I'm a bit scared to ask the university directly as often in Asian countries any mention of mental illness is frowned upon. I have a mild form of bipolar and function perfectly well while on medication.

The university will pay for the first 2000RMB towards medical expenses. No mention of medical insurance like in Korea. Is this usual?

Does anyone know how I can find out about access to Seroquel and Depakote through a doctor while teaching in China? I guess the alternative would be to buy online if I could get a prescription from my current doctor, but that would be expensive.

Is it easy for English teachers to access psychiatrists to get medication?

Thanks for your help.

[johntpartee]

[keeperofpythons]

[vikeologist]

People in the past have suggested that it might be vaguely feasible to access these kind of things and support in Shanghai or Beijing, but any other place you will have very significant problems.

This topic has been covered before. Of course there are plenty of people who will say that you shouldn't come at all, but you'll find some helpful advice / information here;

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=76859&highlight=mental+health

I know that your medication won't be the same as the anti-depressants discussed in that thread, but much of the information may be relevant.

Edit - Actually, it may not be that helpful. A long time since I read it.

One thing. Are you planning to declare your condition on the health questionnaire / check? I suppose what i'm trying to say is that you may need to hide it. You won't be getting any of that 2,000 towards your medication.

Also, you say that your condition is manageable with medication, but I guess I'd suggest that you tell someone here about it (and an emergency contact) when you arrive , just in case there are any hiccups.

But anyway, your actual question. It's unlikely you'll get any medication / medical support in Wuhan. I agree with everybody else's advice.

[BlueBlood]

I respect OP. He/She is tackling their condition head-on. Briefly, my ex suffers from severe bi-polar disorder, and has been diagnosed by doctors. Her reaction: Complete denial. The result: No friends; isolation; massive anger; massive anxiety, and still warring with me as much and as often she can--despite the fact that I left her over 3 years ago.

People who know her tell me she'll never stop her war with me. Ever. Nice way to live.

[Non Sequitur]

I think the suggestion of a confidante who lives/works near you in China is a good one.
If one of the issues is a reluctance to take your medication then that person will be able to quietly get you to comply.
I had prescription meds sent from home. My Dr and pharmacist were co opted into the loop and couriered the pills to me.
A copy of the prescription was included in the pack.
These were not mental health related but the principle is valid.
What about a post on the HK forum?
If you work in the South, an excursion over the border to talk to a Western trained professional could be an option.

[Simplicity]

Thank you everyone for your input. Much appreciated.

I'll address a few things that were raised:

1) I've lived and worked in Asia with bipolar for five years including a stint in Taiwan, so moving to China won't be a complete culture shock. Provided I get the right medication, I should be OK.

2) The recruiter has informed me the college will provide accident and medical insurance which is great.

3) I have a close friend in Taiwan who is bilingual, I will get him to call around a few medical centers in Wuhan and find out if I can access this medication and will it be confidential. If I can't I'll do as you guys suggested and organize it to be sent with prescription from overseas.

4) Yes, I intend not to declare my condition. I was denied a job in Korea because I declared it, so I'm not going down that road.

Thanks again everyone!

[davelister]

[Javelin of Radiance]

[Simplicity]

Lol, I knew that sentence would open up a can of worms. OK, before anyone else posts, I really do appreciate that China will be different from any other country (I've visited there twice) for teaching. I mean this with absolutely no arrogance, I've traveled and worked in about 40 different countries, so my point was that I'm used to culture shock/screwing with my head. My main concern, and why I posted, was asking can I get access to the medication I need.

Thanks guys.

[Simplicity]

Great news. I contacted my old family doctor from back home. He will write a prescription and my family can get the medication from the pharmacy and send it to me in China. It will be dirt cheap because it's subsidized in new Zealand. Very happy.

Anyone know about medication clearing customs? I'm hoping it will be ok if it has a copy of the doctors prescription with it.

[BlueBlood]

[Timer]

I don't know where you're from but back in Australia my doctor prescribed 6 months (max) worth of medication for me before I came here. I think I can get it over the counter here but it's more expensive and I wouldn't trust it. Seems you've already sorted the medication though.

As for "declaring" your condition, don't. You don't need to mention it on any forms, and you certainly don't need to tell your bosses or anyone else. You function fine with your meds so there's no point telling anyone about it.

Everyone in this country is mentally ill but no one would ever admit it. I don't think there is much mental health support here and I imagine confidentiality would be dubious at best (and it would be expensive as hell too). There might be some in Wuhan, but having lived here for 3 years and seen how horrible the health system is, I doubt it. Beijing and Shanghai, like others have mentioned, would probably be better.

[quote="BlueBlood"]

[wangdaning]

[quote="Timer"]

[choudoufu]