Anyone used their EAP?

[linzjane88]

Howdy all! (sorry if this is in the wrong place)

Just wondering if anyone has gone through their employee assistance program and what it is like? It's been a rough year and am finally to the point of needing someone to help me wade through the mental diarrhea in my head.

Do you get the same counseling/therapy as you would if you were to go through your doctor and get a referral? It is, as I understand, confidential--like no secret marks on your employee file "Watch out for this one--she's crazy!"?

I am really nervous. It's easy to tell the patients about how many resources are available to them if they just use them. It's different when your the one floundering.

Thanks

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Thankfully, never had to go EAP.

My best to you.

[Hygiene Queen]

I did when I hit rock bottom while realizing I was going to be divorced, not get to see my children every day anymore, loose my beautiful home and dealing with the pressures of nursing school.

It was more than I could bear and one morning, I showed up for work in such a mess (no eating, no drinking, no sleeping, very weak, zombie-like and zero ability to focus) that I was urged to call EAP now (!) and go home.

I was humiliated that I had been so weak and brought my baggage to work.

However, I got two sessions with a wonderful counselor that I didn't have to pay for.

It saved my sanity to be able to express myself to someone not personally involved in my situation.

It was no different counseling than I would have received otherwise.

I could also call EAP when I was feeling overwhelmed... and they were very caring and professional.

Most of my coworkers were understanding and nonjudgmental. Those that were, tended to be very young and had never experienced anything greater than break-up with a boyfriend (Oh! How I wished it was only that!).

It's okay to be nervous because you've never gone through it before, but know that EAP is a wonderful resource and I, personally, was grateful for it.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I have used it before. I think it is great to get free couseuling sessions.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I used it before. It was awesome. I got something like six sessions and if needed a referral to a counselor. I was going through a rough time with some personal issues (infertility and other issues.). Nothing ever went into my file. It is totally confidential. I will use it again if needed. I even got a referral from my doctor after I had my son. I saw a counselor for a few sessions. My brother in law was diagnosed as a schizophrenic, my mother in law was causing issues demanding to babysit and other things, my sister in law refused to call my son by his given name ( all so and so's are buttholes), I didn't think my husband was being supportive. It really helped to be able to talk to someone.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I used EAP when I started having panic attacks on my way to work. It was the best thing I've ever done. A wonderful therapist whose words of wisdom I still sometimes draw on.

[linzjane88]

Thank you all so much for replies. I have been feeling like I need to talk to someone for a while but keep putting it off and making excuses. I need to make the appointment before I change my mind! My biggest thing is not wanting to feel like I am wasting their time. I am sure they won't feel that way but I do.

Thanks again for the responses. Makes me feel not so alone.

[poppycat, ADN, BSN]

The only hospital where I used EAP it was limited to 2 sessions & then you had to go to someone in private practice. It also was NOT kept confidential. Be careful!

[linzjane88]

Wait, wha? Not confidential? How so?

My issues have nothing to do with work and aren't really affecting my work (I don't feel anyway). Just good old fashioned parents going through a messy divorce. You know, fun stuff.

Do they put it in your file?

[poppycat, ADN, BSN]

Everything I talked about in the 1 session I went to was put in my personnel file. I didn't go back for the 2nd session after I found that out. My problems also had nothing to do with work; just family stuff. Be very careful!

[OCNRN63, RN]

I went to a private therapist because I didn't trust the hospital I worked for at the time. I still would be leery of recommending an EAP.

When I went to the therapist, I also paid for it out-of-pocket; that way there was no documentation trail for my employer. I was not seeing him for paranoia.

[linzjane88]

Thank you both- I was leaning towards just going with a private source. Kind of sealed the deal. It's only a fifteen dollar copay...worth it to me.

That's really messed up that it wouldn't be confidential. These feelings are ones that most of us struggle telling our doctors/friends/spouses. Like we want HR, managers, our anyone else knowing!