Job Discussion Forums

[Cubic09]

Thanks for all the answers to my previous post people...this is a whole new topic which I hope is not too taxing for you folk.

As mentioned, I intend applying to the JET programme later this year, for a placement in August 2010.

My question is: how extensive are the medical tests that are performed in the application process? Will I be required to disclose my entire medical history?

I was hospitalized for Bipolar Disorder several years ago, and again earlier this year.

It's now completely under control with medication; whereas previously it wasn't.

I don't intend declaring this, as it has no bearing on my ability to perform the job. In NZ, you're only required to declare such illness if it does.

I've seen previous posts where it seems that JET look severely on any sort of emotional issues, however I have been in many high-stress situations before and am currently studying full-time and working.

Any thoughts are appreciated...I definitely do not view my intention not to disclose as dishonest, for what it's worth.

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

Well, you need to get a doctor to sign off that in their professional opinion, you are fit to work overseas for at least a year. Bipolar Disorder can be triggered by stress, and that's exactly what JET does to you- you often get put in a small town with no other foreigners and it's.... well, stressful (in a different way than high stress jobs). When I got my health check done, I could only go to my regular family doctor, even though he was five hours away on the highway. Bipolar disorder is not a temporary situational depression that you get over and move on, and if you've been hospitalized for it twice.... that sounds like a pretty serious condition. Any problems that arose in Japan would not be good- people wouldn't know about it if you didn't declare it, there may be nobody who speaks English around etc. Your doctor in NZ may refuse to sign off on it.

The rest of it is stuff like lung x-rays, urine analysis etc. It's a pretty standard health check form.

Keep in mind that you may find difficulties getting your medication in Japan (and there is no such thing as doctor patient confidentiality, especially in a small town when it has to do with a foreigner who is a public employee). You may find you have to make a trip back to NZ to get more medication.

[David W]

Japanese people are bi-polar too. My wife's doctor has done an excellent job of managing her bi-polar illness. People who say Japan is light years behind the West in terms of dealing with mental illness either don't know what they are talking about or are not seeing the right doctors.
To the OP, what has your doctor in NZ said about you going to Japan? If you've been hospitalized twice including once this year it sounds to me as if he'd be reluctant to sign off on you going overseas for an extended period.

[Cubic09]

I haven't discussed my travel plans with my doctor as yet, it's still early stages as I'm yet to apply for the JET programme. I honestly don't think her attesting to my health would be a problem, as for the most part medication precludes further bipolar episodes.

That's interesting about Japanese people receiving support for Bipolar illness too, I was under the distinct impression that most Asian cultures treated the subject as taboo and sufferers as lepers.

In terms of medication, I'm aware that Japanese immigration rules stipulate one month's supply of medication - I would either set myself up in Japan with a doctor or arrange for my present one to send my medication over on a regular basis.

[David W]

[Glenski]

[Apsara]

To my knowledge, your doctor can't send medication to you personally from NZ. What he/she can do is post a prescription to a designated person, who can then fill the prescription for you and then send over the meds, provided they are legal in Japan.

[BigZen]

Dear Cubic09,

I am sorry but I cannot give you any advice about what to do. I just wanted to write and thank both you and david W for writing about this subject. I have suffered from depression for years. I live in a rural area of Japan, so there are very few English speaking psychiatrists. I do see one really nice doctor, but his English is not good enough (and my Japanese is not nearly good enough) to do therapy-something which I have found extremely valuable. I see him once a month just to touch base and get my prescription refilled.

I saw an NHK documentary last month about mental illness in Japan. From what I could understand. it seems the number of people who suffer from mood disorders is very much underreported. One guest ran a support group that was very helpful. I asked my doctor if any such groups exist where I live. Unfortunately he said they are usually only in the Tokyo area.

Anyways, I am not an expert on the subject, just someone who knows what it's like to suffer from the illness. My wife is supportive and I have told a few foreign friends here. To tell you the truth I have never met a Japanese person who suffers from a mood disorder.

BZ

[Cubic09]

[Apsara]

I don't think people with mood disorders here are swept under the rug- certainly not all of them. I know a few Japanese people who have suffered from severe depression and are on medication and now recovering- being a yoga teacher (I teach yoga part time) seems to invite that kind of confession!

[seklarwia]

[David W]

[David W]

[Glenski]

[BigZen]

Hi David W,

Thanks for the offer to contact you. Unfortunately the rules of this forum are that a member must have posted 5 messages before he/she can contact someone by PM. Could you please PM me?

Thanks,

BigZen