Let's talk about it

Living as an expat is not for the faint of heart. It is downright difficult, with challenges around so many corners. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to about all the ups and downs. But where does one turn?

Hopefully there are friends and family in the wings to lend an ear, but that isn't always the case. In Japan (specifically Tokyo), I've learned about three counseling practices that specifically cater to the expat community.

• Tell Japan - telljp.com
• Tokyo Counseling Services - tokyocounseling.com
• Tokyo Mental Health - tokyomentalhealth.com

One of them, TELL, even has a Lifeline, where people can call for immediate support for free.

I was so encouraged and relieved to hear these resources are available, as it is a much needed service. But my positivity quickly soured upon learning that Japan's national health coverage does not cover mental health services. So anyone that needs their services have to pay around ¥22,000 ($200 USD) per appointment! That isn't very affordable for many people.

There is the Lifeline, but that isn't the same as getting regular help.

Japan, in my opinion, needs to remedy this! They need to care for those suffering from mental health issues - for both the citizens and residents. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death in men between the ages of 20-44 and women between the ages of 15-34. And, yet, help is unaffordable to so much of the population. Maybe there are free or less expensive mental health services, but I haven't found them for non-Japanese speaking population.