Getting a social worker in Calgary - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Hair bleach and Vodka · 05-01-2013, 08:15 AM

I'm not doing so well and as stupid as this may sound...I'm feeling very alone and vulnerable right now.

I've been released from rockyview with no actual help given.

Can someone please tell me who to contact to get myself a social worker to help me?

It was way back in '09 when I last had a really, really rough time and a social worker contacted me out of the blue (after another stay in hospital) and helped me years ago. Obviously things did turn around for me and I lost all contact information.

Trying to find this info online has been a bit of a joke.. or I'm just not able to figure it out.. I'm really not sure.

Please no snarky comments, I'm just in need of someone pointing me where I need to go.

Thank you.

Northendzone · 05-01-2013, 08:17 AM

are you employed, does your employer offer an employee assistance program - if so start there.

my next thought is get in touch with the folks at healthlink they should be able to provide you with some direction.

REDVAN · 05-01-2013, 08:37 AM

In a pinch you should call the Calgary Distress Centre at 403-266-HELP (4357) or www.distresscentre.com.

CaptainCrunch · 05-01-2013, 08:39 AM

Do you have a family doc?

troutman · 05-01-2013, 09:08 AM

http://calgarypsychologynetwork.ca/About_Us.html

I had a relative recently admitted to ACH for anxiety. The staff is incredible, but spread too thin. A patient only gets about an hour of counseling each day.

Health care is severely under-funded in Alberta.

KevanGuy · 05-01-2013, 09:13 AM

You can also call Canadian Mental Health Association and we might be able to point you in the right direction. 403-297-1700

Hair bleach and Vodka · 05-01-2013, 09:33 AM

Thank you all for the suggestions. I don't have a family doctor and I have been fired due to a freak out on Sunday night. I didn't do anything to my employer.. but having to call 911 and get taken away by ambulance has them telling me to go pound sand.

Just in the process of trying to get help for a multitude of reasons. And yeah.. mental health isn't taken seriously here. They left me alone for 10 hours in a dark room and when they did speak to me (and I was crystal clear I needed help) they only offered a short stay at PLC or referral to counselling. I just couldn't understand. Last time I was at PLC all those years ago I saw a doctor for 20 minutes.. then 3 days later for 30 seconds.

Doesn't feel good when they apparently aren't taking me seriously.

Bah, rant isn't what I wanna do. But thank you all.

CaptainCrunch · 05-01-2013, 09:38 AM

Not to sound cruel or anything, but is a social worker what you really need?

Or something more.

Hair bleach and Vodka · 05-01-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Not to sound cruel or anything, but is a social worker what you really need?

Or something more.

No, I do understand what you mean Captain. I should have had a doctor documenting my issues since childhood and working with me to try and gain some semblance of a normal life. Without that medical history it's extremely hard for hospitals to actually offer up any extended help as far as putting me in contact with ppl who could help with prescriptions (I probably should be medicated, but I've had zero success with it) and income support.

Not eating for 60 hours or more is starting to completely destroy me. I'm a shadow of myself physically.

I am getting in contact with the food bank and some sort of Christian Care volunteers who will help deliver to me.

That's a part of why the social worker is important. Everyday is a struggle just doing normal things and I've reached such a low point that sustaining this meager lifestyle is impossible right now.

I don't know what else I can do--but contacting some of those numbers/orgs will atleast hopefully point me towards something.

CaptainCrunch · 05-01-2013, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hair bleach and Vodka

No, I do understand what you mean Captain. I should have had a doctor documenting my issues since childhood and working with me to try and gain some semblance of a normal life. Without that medical history it's extremely hard for hospitals to actually offer up any extended help as far as putting me in contact with ppl who could help with prescriptions (I probably should be medicated, but I've had zero success with it) and income support.

Not eating for 60 hours or more is starting to completely destroy me. I'm a shadow of myself physically.

I am getting in contact with the food bank and some sort of Christian Care volunteers who will help deliver to me.

That's a part of why the social worker is important. Everyday is a struggle just doing normal things and I've reached such a low point that sustaining this meager lifestyle is impossible right now.

I don't know what else I can do--but contacting some of those numbers/orgs will atleast hopefully point me towards something.

I don't know much about the process, but your situation does sound a little urgent. There is a mental health walk in service that you can go to, it will at least get you evaluated and give you someone to talk to,and I think you need it urgently to be honest

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...ce&rid=1006574

Rathji · 05-01-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Not to sound cruel or anything, but is a social worker what you really need?

Or something more.

Many social workers do counselling, in the pretty much the same role as a psychologist.

OP, check your PM. I sent you the direct number for our Intake, and they can direct you to the best place. Leave them a message if they don't answer and they will get back to you.

edit:

Just in case anyone else reading this thread is thinking the same thing, here are some organizations you can call for help:

Note: These are likely focused a bit more on low income people, but even if you don't fall into that category, you can still get help.

http://suicideinfo.ca/
http://www.distresscentre.com/
http://www.calgaryfamily.org/
http://www.cfs-ab.org/
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/...rvice&rid=7484
http://www.hullservices.ca/
http://www.woodshomes.ca/ (For Youth & thier Families)

calumniate · 05-01-2013, 10:14 AM

Wow, great advice from what I can tell? Hair bleach keep your head up buddy and wish you the best

KevanGuy · 05-01-2013, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevanGuy

You can also call Canadian Mental Health Association and we might be able to point you in the right direction. 403-297-1700

Just talked to the Advocacy Coordinator and confirmed he can help, check your PM.

Hair bleach and Vodka · 05-01-2013, 10:22 AM

I have sent an email.. I don't think I can deal with getting emotional over the phone right now. I'm not a danger to myself or anyone else right now.. just really, really lost.

Thank you.

Nyah · 05-01-2013, 10:23 AM

Hope everything works out for you, HBAV. There's a ton of great advice on here, and I absolutely second troutman's suggestiong of contacting ACH. My brother has had to use them a few times over the last few years and they take care of everything in their power. If there's something more you need they'll point you in the right direction. Good luck!

Dion · 05-01-2013, 10:29 AM

Some excellent responses here. People helping others makes me proud to be a part of this forum.

Hope you get the help you need Hair bleach and Vodka.

Dion · 05-01-2013, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hair bleach and Vodka

I have sent an email.. I don't think I can deal with getting emotional over the phone right now. I'm not a danger to myself or anyone else right now.. just really, really lost.

Thank you.

Give this organization a call. I've used them in the past and were very helpful.

http://www.calgarycounselling.com/

Hockeyguy15 · 05-01-2013, 10:47 AM

So about the eating thing, if it's a matter of cost and you are near Eau Claire I would be more than happy to buy you lunch.

Flamesoholic · 05-01-2013, 10:51 AM

I cant add anything as valuable as the phone numbers and websites provided above, but you should know that you're not alone HBAV. I know that these words typed into a comment on a message board don't necessarily help, but people care about you and your well being. Please call/contact of these numbers that have been provided here. Take care

Hair bleach and Vodka · 05-01-2013, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

So about the eating thing, if it's a matter of cost and you are near Eau Claire I would be more than happy to buy you lunch.

Thank you for your kindness, Hockeyguy15, I know the food bank is mere hours away and from what I understand they do offer rush care for emergency situations. This isn't healthy and I realize it.. though I do have experience with it. Even when I was working my eating has gone down to minimal levels. In a sick way it's almost prepared me for this horrible time.

I have reached out to my father, even though he is on the road (trucker), and I know he doesn't understand.. but he cares. I know I just need to tell him I need some financial help, but before I do so I want to explore some of these options.

Even telling my dad I have depression/anxiety will be extremely difficult. I'm also scared that if he were to just send money that I'd go and get some groceries and then knowing my physical health isn't in danger (I suppose that's debatable) not go through with seeing someone who can help.

I tend to avoid things. It's my coping thing.

I'm absolutely exhausted mentally and my body could use a rest as well. I have sent those emails out.. saved messages.. and have as much info saved/bookmarked.

I need to be up by 1:15 in the afternoon, I'm going to set my alarm and make sure I call the food bank.

This isn't something I feel good about dragging onto a hockey forum (realize there is much more here, of course) and the embarrassment hasn't set it fully. I know it will though. I'm also aware I have no reason to be embarrassed.. and help isn't a bad thing or something to be cast aside.

Thank you all for showing that humanity isn't that bad. It stills the tempest that is my mind.. even slightly, knowing that even if I feel alone--there are good thoughts in some shape or form out there.

*lets out a deep breath*

This will have to be settled.. I'm just glad I didn't freeze up and not post.