YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Hi friends. My employer switched employer assistance programs, so we get a fresh batch of help.

I am endeavoring to meet with two counselors: personal and nutritional.

I’ve called the nutritionist and am waiting to hear back. Update anon

Right now I am in the parking lot of the personal counselor. I want to discuss goal setting.

I am fairly nervous but more excited. I have written goals for our initial meeting.

I’ll update later today. Wish me luck :O

Good luck, my friend!

Good luck, keep us posted

Thank you for your encouragement, my friends!

Both EAP counselors proved kind and helpful, and their advice has proven difficult to effect.

Counselor:

Compared to my previous two counselors, she was great. She was kind and listened. I ostensibly went there for counseling regarding goal setting, and that outcome was sort of not met. Fortunately she taught me about mindfulness, which has proven very useful. Since I ran out of EAP sessions, we agreed to meet again, twice a week, after my finances turn around. One session will be my general mental health. The other session, broken into 6-week arcs, will be focused on a goal I've identified: the first arc will be about my facing and overcoming my financial difficulties, including the financial/class trauma I experienced as a teenager that was conveniently swept under the rug.

I sincerely told her that the five sessions didn't make me any happier, but that they definitely made me less unhappy. She was pleased to hear that. She did a fine job, and I look forward to working with her again in a few months.

Nutrition counselor:

She is considerably more stick to the facts, which I turn out to be totally fine with.

She praised my efforts of the last 18 months, in which I lost 30 pounds and felt much better.

For the month of November she wants me to eat more fruits/vegetables, and to track my eating in My Fitness Pal.

I have neglected my male beauty efforts (drama at work, grief), but I am doing better with my eating and exercise this week.

In conclusion, I am very grateful for the EAP counseling my employer has provided.

Great stuff! Congratulations on losing 30 pounds and feeling healthier!

Yes good job and so glad to hear it they are turning out to be helpful!