Job Discussion Forums

[DJames]

A few years ago I was diagnosed with manic-depressive disorder. I take some meds and do fine. I can be a little moody, but overall I'm pretty easy to get along with. In March I'm on my way to start a contract in Japan and was wondering how the Japanese tolerate this kind of stuff. Will it be difficult to get meds? I wasn't planning on telling anyone, but my boss seems cool. Would he rather not know.

[Quibby84]

Seems to me it might be hard to get meds...but you could always bring them with you or get them mailed to you.
I have noticed that many disorders like yours go unlabeled. So for example I will be like, "why doesnt he talk?" and they are like "oh, he just doesnt talk." and I will say "but WHY?" and they have no clue..where as in America (where I am) from if the kid didnt talk then he would be "labeled and given things (medicine, therapy) to help him..."
so outside of getting medicine I think you may be fine.
What kind of job are you going to be doing?

[markle]

Without insulting your intelligence, you know that moving to and living and working in a foreign country is quite stressful, don't you? So on top of your meds I suggest you look into access to mental health providers and insurance coverage for that.

I'm in two minds about whether you should tell your employer. On one hand it is the responsible thing to do, on the other I may make them overly concerned and worry needlessly. There will be consequences either way, so I think you have to make up your own mind and deal with it if something arises.

[southofreality]

[Grasshopper]

My advice is not to mention it unless it comes up. And if it comes up, or if you see a reason, then sure, bring it up--I mean if you`ve already got the job, then you don`t need to mention it now. Then if you bring it up later, then they`ll see that you are functional and it should be okay.

The other thing you might want to check on is whether or not you can get your medicine in Japan. There are some medicines that are in the US that are not allowed in Japan. Just something to keep in mind.

Good Luck.

G.

[mimimimi]

Based on my experience, it's not a good idea to inform your employer, co-workers or students (assuming you'll be teaching). My friend in Japan was bipolar. She kept it to herself for almost two years and everything was fine. Then she confided in a couple of co-workers when she was feeling a bit depressed and lonely. Within two days, the Japanese owner, most of the staff and some of the parents knew about it. Things went completely downhill from there and she ended up leaving her company apartment literally in the middle of the night, then returning to her home country a few days after that. The co-worker who told the boss, claimed he was just trying to help her get help, not realizing the snowball effect it would have. After she left, the owner distributed a written statement to all the parents, publicizing her disorder and blaming it for all the inconvenience.

[David W]

[Quibby84]

Yeah, but do Japanese people take medicine for their problem?

[David W]

[Quibby84]

I dont know...I have met some crazy kids...no one know what is wrong with them...they just are put in the special class...

[dove]

I would not tell anyone at my place of work. As a previous poster suggested, you WILL be discussed and deliberated and probably, dissed. You'll find a way to get your meds. Keep your business out of the work place. That's how you survive Japan.

[worldwide_soul]

I am also of the opinion of not mentioning it. Before going, I would look into help you would be able to get in Japan if you were feeling like you would need it. Possibly look into trying to find an English-speaking doctor. (of course how easy this will be depends completely on where you will be living). Consult with a professional before going to Japan who might have any suggestions. But I wouldn't inform your employer unless absolutely necessary. Not only is it a difficult type of condition to speak of across two languages which can cause for confusion and misinterpretation, but I do feel it would become an inpediment in the workplace. In all likelihood, word will get around to everone and it's possible it could be viewed negatively. Of course, it could be a positive thing but I wouldn't be willing to take that chance.

[johanne]

Before you come have your doctor check the international list of pharmaceuticals. It will cross reference the name of your current meds with their international name. The same reference exists in Japan and so a doctor here could match up the meds for you. Most doctors in Japan have enough English to do this basic kind of research. My husband had your concerns in reverse. His medication wasn't available in Canada under the same name, but he was able to find an exquivalent.


People in Japan do get medication for mental health problems. The fact that they might not talk about it as much as in other countries does not mean it doesn't exist. As for giving kids meds for so-called "crazy" behaviour, IMHO, there is some serious over-medicating going on in some countries where every kid who's a bit different or has some beheviour difficulties is put on medication or sent for counselling. Yes, in some cases this is warranted and very helpful for the child. In other cases it is detrimental.

[hereinbeijing]

good luck in Japan

[benshi]

It's ok to not mention it to your employer (assuming you are ok with that) but if they had asked you in their application if you had any medical problems requiring medication and you didn't fess up, you had better tell them. Lying on a job application is grounds for dismissal in Japan.