Presented by: Jasmine Li Susie Pike Health in Japan Presented by: Jasmine Li Susie Pike
Healthy Japanese Foods
Wakame: Seaweed Rich source of vitamins and minerals
Goma: sesame seeds High in calcium
Daikon: turnip High in Vitamin C
Tofu High in calcium
Mental Health Good mental health is vitally important for your overall wellbeing and health The more time and energy you invest in your emotional and mental health, the stronger it will be (e.g. making sure you get enough sleep is vital) If you are struggling in any way, feel down, or think you might be depressed - talk to someone. Do not suffer in silence
Mental Health Continued Depression can hit when you least expect it. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help, it is not a sign of weakness. When you aren`t feeling happy, you forget about how much you have achieved. Think about how much you have learnt in the time you have been in Japan. It`s amazing. If you think a friend isn`t happy, please talk to them. A key sign is weight loss. If you are concerned about their welfare, talk to Dave or a PA who will be able to help.
Available Monday to Friday If you need help… The strength of the JET program is its extensive support system in place to help all JET Programme participants. If you need someone to talk to, call either: JETLINE – Run by CLAIR Program Coordinators who are previous participants. Available Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.45. Call 03-5213-1729
2. AJET Peer Support Group (PSG) - Volunteers are current JET participants. Available every night from 20.00 – 07.00. Call 050-5534-5566 If you need professional help, both the JETLINE and PSG will be able to put you in touch with an English speaking Psychologist in Tokyo. A typical phone appointment costs 8000yen for 50 minutes.
Culture Shock There are no fixed symptoms ascribed to culture shock as each person is affected differently. The shock of moving to a foreign country often consists of distinct phases, though not everyone passes through these phases and if you do, you might not necessarily go through the phases in the set order. Everyone is unique and adapts in their own special way
Four Stages to Culture Shock Stage 1 -The Honeymoon Phase: The differences in your cultures seem exciting, amazing, fascinating and new. This period is full of observations and new discoveries Stage 2 – Negotiation Phase: The excitement of Stage 1 may eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration, anger, loneliness, homesickness and feeling disconnected from the surroundings
Stage 3 - Adjustment phase: A person grows accustomed to the new culture, develop routines and have learnt what to expect in most situations . They start to develop problem-solving skills for dealing with the culture and begins to accept the culture's ways with a positive attitude. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced. Stage 4 – Mastery phase: People in this phase can participate fully and are comfortable in the host culture. Mastery does not mean total conversion; people often keep many traits from their earlier culture, such as accents and languages. It is often referred to as the biculturalism stage.
Conclusion to culture shock phases Everyone is different You might suffer from some of these emotions, you might not. If you feel you are stuck in one of these phases, do not worry, it is ok to struggle and you will be fine. Most importantly - if you are suffering in any way, talk to someone. Everyone is in the same boat, so don’t suffer in silence.
Seeking Help from Professionals English speaking psychiatrist Professional counselors
Visiting the Doctor Ask your teacher Consult the school nurse Find out the hours Bring your Alien Registration Card Bring National Health Insurance Card No need to make an appointment Fore useful medical vocab: JET Diary JET General Information Handbook
Multilingual Questionnaire: http://www. k-i-a. or
English-speaking Doctors in Yamagata http://www. pref. yamagata Search for medical institutions
Available in foreign languages Female doctors
English Choose the fluency level: Native Conversational Basic Female visitor only Yes/No
Emergencies Fire, fire truck 119 Sudden illnesses & serious injuries 119 “Kyukyu-sha, onegai shimasu. (Your address) ni kyubyonin ga imasu. (We have a medical emergency at _____ Please call an ambulance) Traffic accidents & crimes 110 Out-of-hour medical care
Annual Workplace Health-check JETs are required to take a government-sponsored medical check-up each year Part of work duties, take place during work hours Weight, height, blood pressure and eyesight, hearing, urine, x-ray for chest for tuberculosis Results are confidential
Sexual Health STD tests available at regular clinics or hospitals AIDS/HIV testing: available for free and anonymous at health centers
Sick Leave Calling in sick 20 days of sick leave (separate from nenkyu) Obtain a doctor’s certificate (shindansho) to qualify for sick leave Calling in sick If you are sick and want to take byokyu, contact your school as soon as possible and discuss with them whether they require a doctor's note or other documentation. Please try to call your school in the morning before classes start. Alternatively, if you have your supervisorfs number, you could call them.
Support System PA CIR JET Helpline AJET Peer Support Group Local Counseling Services AMDA International Medical Information Center in Tokyo
For details & more useful resources Refer to the handout Thank you for listening.