Stress and Culture Shock During the Time of COVID in Japan

It seems fairly obvious that a pandemic on the scale we are currently enduring will cause stress and anxiety. For non-Japanese, there is often the added stress of culture shock which triggers concern due to the inability to obtain current information on the crisis and how to best go about their daily lives.

Quite naturally such a situation can lead to mild or even extreme depression. It is important therefore to understand how depression works and how to mitigate it.

For some people, depression is related to a biological inclination. People who have a family history of depression are quite naturally susceptible.

For others, depression is caused by their situation. Uncertainty about life issues such as changes in work or financial stress for example. Additionally, humans are social animals and the COVID situation is quite isolating for those who adequately follow the guidelines of avoiding gatherings and limit their interactions. Additionally, for non-Japanese their support network is quite often limited.

Such stress can lead to issues related to inadequate sleep or even too much sleep, lethargy, and a poor diet.

It is often said that depression and anxiety are two sides of the same coin. One causes the other. Ultimately our mental health is often compromised under such conditions leading to an imbalance in our brain chemistry.

Many people often feel that visiting a psychiatrist is a sign of weakness and they are afraid to seek treatment. However, quite the opposite is true. Mental health is part of physical health. You must take care of your mind just as you would the rest of your body.

At the Hayakawa Mental Health Clinic Issha in Nagoya, we treat many people with such issues and we have a particular sensitivity to the needs of foreign residents who must navigate the national health system to seek the treatment that they need.

If you think that you are suffering from anxiety, a sleep disorder, or depression we can offer consultation and pharmacological therapy (if needed) in English.

Our main goal is “Quality of Life.” We want to offer the treatment you need and nothing more. We aim to find the least disruptive therapy for your needs so that you can manage your mental health during these unprecedented times.

Please feel free to call us on our English-language reservation line on 070-1482-7582, during our business hours for information about booking an appointment.

Please stay safe and healthy!

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