Rate your current mental health level out of 10

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Lubicon

Haha. Years ago when I worked in our Red Deer shop it was similar. No issue running the diesel engines inside on the trucks and also the equipment they powered. But you had to go outside to smoke.

Ugh...it was awful. I developed the disgusting habit of spitting because the diesel fumes were coating my mouth and nose and to try and clear your mouth you'd spit and your spit was black.

Forget cigarettes I'm sure that little stint significantly shortened my life-span.

[fotze2]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

For what it’s worth, I ended up with my favourite therapist through my EFAP and talked to her for over a year. And her and the other I spoke with both had their own in person clinics where they charged clients… I imagine that’s common.

You shouldnt take my single anecdote and def worth a shot being free. I probably just got a dud and it was pretty it was a certain person causing the anxiety that i remedied soon after.

[fotze2]

I cannot edit my post for some reason.

But whatever you do, do not tell your HR person anything. Confidentiality is not true. They work for them not you.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by fotze2

I cannot edit my post for some reason.

But whatever you do, do not tell your HR person anything. Confidentiality is not true. They work for them not you.

100%. The only party who needs any details is your benefit provider. They get info directly from the doctor. I think I hit the odds lottery on every aspect because my HR rep was adamant that I don’t tell him any details.

[PaperBagger'14]

Originally Posted by fotze2

Also cold showers.

I did the EAP a while back when I hated my boss and basically never slept.

EAP was absolutely terrible and am not at all convinced it was confidential, especially with the monster who was our HR rep. Huge liar. Talked to her and she said its totally confidential, next day the bosses tone with me changed 180 degrees and repeating things I only had told her in confidential mode.

Whatever, but the EAP nurse (or whatever she was) spent the entire "session" trying to sell me on these naturopathic supplements for it, complete with a website to order it. WTF. Actually spent money buying some of them and trying them because I am an idiot, obviously to no avail. God I was annoyed. So I started lying to the HR moron that I was still using the EAP. It was free to the employee so you can bet it will be dogcrap service.

I can’t speak to all EAPs, however I’ve used the therapy offered from mine before and funnily enough it was my family doctors wife. She had reassured me, like any therapist, that the only time another person is notified is when there is immediate harm to yourself or others.

As for the quality of therapy I think it was good? I hope to never be an expert on ranking therapists or else things in my life have gone to ####.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by fotze2

Im a bit hesistant to ask for an update from displaced as those surgeries can be dicey. But am curious and thinking.

Shame on me for it not even crossing my mind that anyone would be concerned enough to wonder. I APOLOGIZE. Truly.

My wife is home. We learned she had a stroke during all of this. The impact seems to be limited to some minor cognitive impacts which should resolve with PT.. I don't remember what all I said in my original post but may have to have mitral valve replacement once we are finished with the course of antibiotics. Will have another echo to see if the valve went back to normal after the infection clears.

Today is her birthday actually. We had a good evening and we are both eternally grateful to anyone who emitted any positive energy our way through this. I am not a religious person, but I don't think that stuff is nothing.

Thank you for caring.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by fotze2

It was free to the employee so you can bet it will be dogcrap service.

Paying for something doesn't mean it's better either. I gave that "BetterHelp" online therapy service a shot - and it was absolutely terrible. 100% American "therapists" of questionable training an experience - definitely C listers. Dude had a "United Federation of Planets" flag behind him which could have been positive if he was any good to begin with. Bailed on booked sessions for family emergencies, which I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Horrendously expensive at like $400CAD a month.

I might have well used ChatGPT for all the benefit I got out of that.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

I can’t speak to all EAPs, however I’ve used the therapy offered from mine before and funnily enough it was my family doctors wife. She had reassured me, like any therapist, that the only time another person is notified is when there is immediate harm to yourself or others.

As for the quality of therapy I think it was good? I hope to never be an expert on ranking therapists or else things in my life have gone to ####.

In fairness, my understanding of the entire thing is that its not about 'quality' as much as it's about 'fit.'

There are some therapists that are fantastic...but maybe just not for you or your particular issue.

A really good therapist would likely say something along the lines of:

"I understand your problems but we're not making progress, perhaps this person would be more in tune with you."

Unfortunately, that 'other person' may not be covered under the EAP and then that becomes a whole other set of circumstances, but it may well be worth it.

I've seen it through various clients with therapists and, oddly enough, anxiety and ADD medications. Theres lots out there, its about finding the right fit. It's not a 'one-size-fits-all' kind of deal.

Again, unfortunately, if you're unwilling or unable to pay...you are sort of stuck with what you get.

[PaperBagger'14]

That’s my understanding too Locke, for me it was easy to open up to her because I had already known her, her husband and son for 30+ years. I can see how I wouldn’t have benefitted from therapy if I didnt feel comfortable with her, so I lucked out.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

That’s my understanding too Locke, for me it was easy to open up to her because I had already known her, her husband and son for 30+ years. I can see how I wouldn’t have benefitted from therapy if I didnt feel comfortable with her, so I lucked out.

See...and this is entirely personal preference.

If I went to a Doctor or Therapist and knew them and their family for 30+ years I probably wouldnt tell them sweet #### all. Honesty would be well out the window and then the whole thing is useless.

Thats half the benefit of a therapist...they're effectively a highly qualified stranger.

But thats entirely up to how that relationship works between Professional and Patient. If it works for you...then fantastic! But it might not work for everyone in a similar position.

[woob]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Shame on me for it not even crossing my mind that anyone would be concerned enough to wonder. I APOLOGIZE. Truly.

My wife is home. We learned she had a stroke during all of this. The impact seems to be limited to some minor cognitive impacts which should resolve with PT.. I don't remember what all I said in my original post but may have to have mitral valve replacement once we are finished with the course of antibiotics. Will have another echo to see if the valve went back to normal after the infection clears.

Today is her birthday actually. We had a good evening and we are both eternally grateful to anyone who emitted any positive energy our way through this. I am not a religious person, but I don't think that stuff is nothing.

Thank you for caring.

Thanks for the update, DFF. Glad you guys got to celebrate her birthday together. Hope the recovery road ahead is not too difficult, and you both get the energy and help you need along the way.

[Titan2]

There is also the Primary Care Network which is accessed through your GP. They do have Therapists, Psychiatrists and Psyhologists (I believe) that they can refer you to and is paid for by Alberta Health. Ask your GP about that.

Also, Start with your GP, they may have other resources to refer you to.