Moving to Tokyo and Maintaining Good Mental Health!

Moving to another country is a rewarding, but undeniably tough, experience. Foreigners in Tokyo tend to experience more stress than their Japanese counterparts; with not only stress from work, study, and daily life, but also additional challenges from the language barrier, cultural differences, and the isolation of being away from family and friends. All this stress, along with few support options, can deteriorate your mental health. Expats who did not choose to move to Japan, perhaps relocated for work, for their families or their partners, are at particular risk for poor mental health.
This article will cover some of the common challenges faced by those moving to Tokyo, followed by some resources to help with your mental health.

Individuals

Tokyo is generally viewed as a safe city in the physical sense, meaning that it is unlikely for you to get robbed or attacked while out and about. But your emotional sense of safety may be compromised when you are in an unfamiliar environment. You may be living alone for the first time, be unable to read your bills (let alone know how to pay them), and you may also feel disconnected from people around you. These things may lead you to feel unsafe, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. It is important to find a friend, or a community; people you feel safe with. Building trust and safety is often a slow process. But the process can begin through work, school, hobbies, or even online communities or apps.

With all new stress and less support, those with a history of mental health difficulties may be susceptible to previous conditions resurfacing. While there are English-speaking doctors and mental health resources, these may be difficult to pin down in a new country. It is best to do research prior, or early in your move, if you know you need certain medications.

Families

Families moving to Japan face unique challenges. The Japanese education system and school culture may be very different from your home country, and both can be a difficult adjustment for both expat children and parents.
Expat children may feel homesick and struggle with studying, understanding classes and making friends. There may be changes to their sleeping and eating patterns, and also their behavior, becoming withdrawn or acting out. Children with ADHD and/or Autism may particularly struggle with getting support or even a diagnosis. This takes a toll on the family as a whole.
Mothers in Japan bear a lot of responsibility and expectations. It’s seen as admirable to devote everything to your child, and to be very involved in school activities, particularly in kindergartens and elementary schools (the notorious PTAs). While some research shows being more involved in your child’s schooling is one factor that can improve mental health, this type of environment and social circle may not be for everyone. The expectations and gender roles for mothers in Japan can be overwhelming.

Couples

For couples moving to Tokyo, it is often the case where one person initiates and drives the move, while the other person follows in support. While the initiator may have feelings of guilt and indebtedness, the follower may feel regret, bitterness, resentment. Both people will at some point experience frustration, stress, and perhaps disconnectedness and loneliness. This may be exacerbated if one person in the relationship is working while the other is not.
Moreso, given the lack of a social network, couples may end up spending a lot more time together than they otherwise would in their home country. This could be a good thing, but also could lead to boredom, burnout and the resurfacing of previous conflicts. Couples may seek to establish a shared social network, but also their own ones centering around their individual hobbies and interests.

Housing and Mental Health

Research has also found the importance of housing on one’s mental health. When looking for a house, consider the size, condition, and age of the house, insulation, the neighborhood, and access to outdoor spaces. Most people in Tokyo tend to live in small apartments, which may not be conducive to good mental health. There are also share houses, but keep in mind the share house culture may not be as friendly and flexible as living with friends or housemates back home.
Some foreigners may be accustomed to living in larger detached housing, with a backyard, with their family, friends or housemates, so the adjustment can be especially difficult.

Mental Health Resources

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, for example if you’re experiencing relationship problems, family problems, issues related to moving abroad or otherwise, there is the option of reaching out to a psychiatrist or counselor. There are several English-speaking mental health clinics in Tokyo: one such clinic is Roppongi Clinic (https://www.roppongi-clinic.jp/english-page/ ), where the majority of the staff can speak English, as well as some staff who speak Korean and Thai. This foreigner-friendly clinic is located in Minato-ku, in Central Tokyo, and can provide medication prescriptions and therapy sessions for individuals, couples, and families (currently only with individuals over 15 years old).

Consultations with a psychiatrist are covered by medical insurance, ranging from ¥1,500 to ¥6,000. Counseling sessions are not covered by insurance and cost ¥8,800 for a 50-minute individual session, or ¥15,400 for a couple’s session.