Thank you to those who have written to “dear efap” for input on your dilemmas. As you are aware, we read every inquiry that comes in but we are only able to print a small selection of responses.  Our “pithy” answers are modeled after the lighter hearted Dear Abby style and are grounded in common sense.  If your issues require a more personalized level of support please call EFAP (1-800-505-4929) and we can confidentially book you a counselling appointment with a senior level therapist.

Send us questions

We welcome all inquiries – please submit these to dear.efap@efap.ca. All printed responses use the anonymous descriptor that you sign your inquiry with and do not reveal any identifying information. Our goal is to support you through insight and common sense.

Below is our response to the next selection – enjoy!

Lately I haven’t been feeling like myself. I’m usually a pretty tough guy and not one to complain, but I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this. I feel like I’m always angry, frustrated or irritable, and lately my responses to people have an abruptness to them that I just don’t like. I also find myself feeling increasingly sore and in pain, but my doctor says that nothing is wrong with me. I can’t seem to sit still and my productivity at work is almost nil. I’m also a pretty healthy eater, but man, lately I have these sugar cravings that are nuts! Am I going crazy? What’s going on with me?

• Am I Going Crazy?

Dear Am I Going Crazy?

No, you’re not going crazy, but it does sound like you may be depressed. I know that you said that you spoke to your doctor about the aches and pains you were having and they were able to tell that you were fine – and that’s great – but I’m thinking that maybe you didn’t have a chance to tell your doctor about all of your other symptoms. It might be a good idea to check back in with the good doctor and share the full list of what’s going on.

Depression is a bit of an odd beast. The five things that you mentioned can indicate signs of the dreaded “D,” but they’re often not widely recognized as indicators of depression. I did a little research, and it’s largely accepted that feeling consistently ticked off, inexplicably achy, super fidgety, uncharacteristically unproductive, and experiencing cravings can all be signs of depression. That said, these symptoms can also be signs of other things, and so can easily get downplayed or missed. So, I’m glad that you wrote in – we can help you with this. EFAP has excellent counsellors and wellness coaches who can help you stand up to depression. And if in-person appointments aren’t your thing, we’re launching a new online depression treatment program on September 1^st!

Give us a call, we can help you stand up to these symptoms and get back to the real you!

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The advice offered in this column is meant to be used as general guidance based on the facts provided. The opinions or views expressed should not be relied on as treatment or counselling services. If you are a VCH staff member and find yourself in need of counselling or support, please contact EFAP toll free at 1-800-505-4929 or 604-872-4929, your family doctor, or another appropriately trained and qualified specialist.