Helplines in Japan.

Feeling defeated by the impacts of a physical illness? Free helplines are available in Japan

A chronic, life-altering, or life-threatening diagnosis can come as a shock. The effects of physical illness may make it hard to maintain a positive mental, emotional and spiritual outlook. There are counselors and volunteers at 3 helplines in Japan who you can confide in when you feel:

• Grief about the health, mobility, social life and peace of mind that you have lost.
• Anxiety, tension, fear, sadness and helplessness about your condition and what the future holds.
• Afraid of what the future holds, including the pain you may feel, disabilities or death.
• That life isn’t worth living, given the limitations and pain associated with your medical condition.
• Frustration and anger about the uncertainty and disabilities associated with your illness.
• Depression about the life you've lost, things you cannot do, and places you cannot go.
• Stress about the financial burden that your illness will put on your family.
• Cut off from your family and friends who cannot understand what you are going through.

Hospital visits, pain and disability can take an overwhelming toll on your emotions. Medication and prolonged periods of stress can make it hard to function and think clearly from day to day. You may feel isolated, burdensome and unable to cope.

You have the potential to face the challenges of illness with resilience and grace – but you do need support. By reaching to a helpline in Japan, you can talk with counselor or volunteer who understands the unspoken, emotional effects of physical illness. Contacting a helpline doesn't mean you're weak – it simply shows that you are human.