Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AsiaESLbound]

If you live in a tiny basic one room above a tiny gravel alley overlooking old style houses with barking dogs most nights and every morning starting at 4 or 5am just 5 meters from your window, you might feel a need to use sleep medicine like Zolpidem. I had 2 small prescriptions earlier this year, but when I returned to a doctor the 3rd time, he referred me to Mr. Kims psychiatry just around the corner. He can't speak any English, but can write medical terms so I understand the referral note. I'm very hesitant about seeing a psychiatrist in a foreign country where it might look like I have written on my forehead,"I'm going crazy over being uncomfortable in your country so please give me drugs. I have your exit order written on my forehead so please call my boss and immigration on me. I'm crazy for being here." Obviously, I'm concerned about confidentiality, professionalism, and protection of my interests. And I lack knowledge on the subject with no one to ask nor am I asking you about 1 of many thousands of Mr. Kims, but don't want to risk it by going in there. I already know old outdated ideas are very much still in place in this small town that I'm out to avoid.


So can you see a sensible doctor/psychiatrist in Seoul on Saturdays? Not only do I need a sleeping pill for insomnia and xanax for anxiety, I admit having someone to talk to would be ideal, but every thing needs to be confidential and I really have no one locally to talk with to get helpful information and support. No one, but you on this forum.

[Drew10]

The way my wife explained it to me is:

Insomnia is a mental condition, which means you have to see a psychiatrist in order to be "properly treated".

I had to see Mr. Kim myself because of insomnia, and i also questioned whether or not i could just see a "regular doc". That's when i got the strange explanation.

He asks a few basic questions, some family history, writes you a prescription and sends you on your way. I didn't feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about going there, and i got some medication to help me sleep.

[Easy Rider]

I am trying to get 25 posts now so I can pm you. I have some good advice re your question in the 2nd paragraph but I don't want it for public consumption so wont post in the thread.

[Easy Rider]

Sorry mods, this is a bump for a good cause though!