Coping with the May Blues: Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Written by Rachel McDonald

May is associated with blooming flowers, warmer weather, and a sense of renewal. You know, “April showers bring May flowers”, right?  Well apparently in Japan, May is also known for welcoming something a little less cheerful: the "May Blues." This phenomenon refers to a period of increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms that some people experience during the month of May in Japan. Let's jump into what the May blues are, why they occur, and how you can take care of your mental health!

The May blues, also known as 五月病 (gogatsu-byo), is a term that was coined to describe a phenomenon where some people in Japan experience a decline in mental well-being during the month of May. It is believed to be associated with a combination of factors, including changes in weather, school, work-related stress, and societal expectations. In Japan, April marks the beginning of a new school year which is often associated with increased workloads, exams, and job hunting. This can cause significant stress and anxiety for many individuals.

Reasons for experiencing this dip in mental health can be caused by multiple things and is extremely individualistic. You might feel pressure to keep up with the demands and responsibilities of your new environment. You may worry that your new environment is not a good fit, or doubt your abilities. You may find it upsetting to be inside all day when you just want to be outside, enjoying the weather. All of these things can take a toll on one's mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

Taking care of your mental health during the month of May is crucial for your overall well-being. If you find yourself feeling blue, here are some tips to help you cope:

1. Acknowledge your feelings: It's important to recognize and acknowledge your emotions. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or down during the month of May, know that it's okay to feel that way. Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions without judgment.

2. Seek connection: Reach out to trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals for support. Talking to someone about your thoughts and feelings can help you gain perspective and alleviate some of the burden. Don’t forget you can always reach out to your Area Support Leader for additional support as well!

3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial during times of increased stress. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your routine.

4. Find joy in the moment: Practice mindfulness and try to focus on the present moment. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies, spending time in nature, or spending time with loved ones. Cultivate gratitude and practice positive thinking.

5. Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy, counseling, or medication may be beneficial in managing your mental health. TELL Japan is an extremely beneficial service for expats living in Japan offering other tips/tricks, counseling services, an emergency hotline, and more. For more information please visit: https://telljp.com/

In conclusion, the "May blues" is a reminder that mental health is not always a linear journey, and it can be influenced by various external factors. It is crucial to validate and normalize these emotions, allowing individuals to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles.

To combat the "May blues," we can prioritize self-care, engage in activities that bring us joy, and reach out for support when needed. Whether it's seeking professional help, confiding in loved ones, or connecting with support groups, there are resources available to help navigate through this challenging period.

Let's prioritize self-compassion, understanding, and support, not just in May but throughout the entire year. Together, we can create a community that embraces and uplifts one another during challenging times, ultimately fostering a healthier and happier society. If you’re struggling and are not sure where to turn, please reach out to the our FuJET council and we will gladly provide the support you need <3

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For JET participants, please see the below CLAIR Mental Health Resources below: 

With the aim of enhancing mental health support for JET Programme participants, CLAIR offers the JET Programme Mental Health Counseling Assistance Programme. This Programme provides a partial subsidy (50%, up to 30,000 yen per year) for counseling costs incurred through consultation with mental health professionals not covered by health insurance.The coverage period for this year is from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

JET Programme participants can also receive free counseling offered by CLAIR via Web Mail and Skype. If you wish to use these services, please access them using the URLs below, input the ID/password, and follow the instructions for registration. Up to 7 Skype sessions are available between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024. We recommend starting with web mail, which has no limits on usage.

Web Mail and Skype Counseling

Website: https://jetcounseling.com/

Login Information:

User name: jet

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