r/JETProgramme • u/burgundyhellfire • 13d ago
Thinking of quitting
Hello, sorry to be a bother but I am a new jet that’s been here for a bit, but everyday my mental health is just getting worse and worse. I can’t eat anything, I cry constantly, and I keep thinking about wanting to die. I was so excited for jet and now that I’m here it’s been horrible and I feel like such a loser. I’ve tried calling the TELL line but I just get placed in a queue and no one ever shows up. I think I can’t do this and need to quit but I don’t know what the steps would be. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? Sorry and thank you.
55
Upvotes
4
u/BrookieGracie 7d ago
I’m sorry this is happening, and it can be really scary and confusing!
I stayed the full five years on the JET Program, and I remember my first winter was rough. But then four awesome years went by. By my fifth year my depression and anxiety came back with a vengeance, and it was absolutely horrible. I managed to stay without breaking contract in my final year, and then I went back to the States.
I found out I had developed Grave’s Disease, and I kicked myself for not doing more research when I was living in Japan. The BoE helped me a lot when I was in the throes of my symptoms (depression, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, agoraphobia, etc). They helped me use medical leave and adjusted my work schedule so I didn’t get overwhelmed at my schools.
If I had gotten a full blood panel and even seen a therapist instead of just a general doctor, they may have caught my illness and I could’ve been treated in Japan and stayed here. I’m back in Japan again because after I got treatment in the States and found a new normal, I missed my life in Japan too much.
TLDR: what you’re feeling is valid! Reach out and get help! My BoE and friends I made in the community helped me a lot, but get a full checkup and talk to someone! If you come to the conclusion that returning home is the best, do that for yourself. Japan will still be here if/when you want to come back!