Emotion: sadness
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: Since I have to practice social distancing and isolate with the pandemic, I have been feeling more depressed. I miss hanging out with my friends and family.

assistant: Hi, what brings you to seek support, today?

user: I am having ongoing depression.

assistant: I'm very sorry to hear that. The fact that it is ongoing must make it even harder. What symptoms do you have and when did it first begin?

user: I have the symptoms of sadness and anxiety. It first began a couple of weeks ago.

assistant: I see. Are you sad or anxious about anything in particular?

user: Yes, I am sad and anxious about the coronavirus. I miss seeing my friends and family.

assistant: It sounds like you must really care about your friends and family, and this awful pandemic is prevent your from seeing them.

user: Yes, definitely. I hope the pandemic will end.

assistant: I know this may sound personal, but it is completely normal to have these thoughts though... have you thought about dying at all?

user: I haven't thought about dying at all. I take medication each day for my depression, but there are times when I still feel sad.

assistant: Okay, thanks for sharing that personal information. I only ask because thoughts of suicide are normal and anxiety and depression increase the chances of suicide.

user: You're welcome. I understand, but I am not suicidal.

assistant: What would you like to talk about, then? We could talk about the problem more, or if you feel like it is defined, we could talk about solutions, or not talk about solutions at all. What would make you feel better?

user: I would like to talk about solutions since I feel like the problem is defined.

assistant: I know what it is like to be depressed. I also take medication for this. For solutions, studies show that working out and exercising can help depression. Have you considered this?

user: Yes, I enjoy taking walks and doing a cardio workout at home.

assistant: That's great! What ways do you think you could communicate more with your family?

user: I could communicate more with my family by calling them on the phone, texting, emailing, or talking to them on Zoom.

assistant: You listed a lot of good solutions such as zoom and texting. Do you think doing that would make you feel less depressed?

user: Yes, I think that Zoom and texting would make me feel less depressed.

assistant: Well, let me ask you this. I noticed that you had many solutions off-hand that you could tell me, and you also said it could help you with your depression. May I ask what is keeping you from using these methods?

user: Wanting to stay in bed is keeping me from using these methods.

assistant: Oh, I completely understand. Depression has that effect. But maybe you can talk to your loved ones while in bed? How do you feel about that?

user: I feel okay about that.

assistant: Well, it's worth a try, right!

user: Yes, it is worth a try. Thank you for all of your help!

assistant: Thank you for allowing us to complete this task as well. I know depression can cause us to lose motivation, so I really appreciate it. I hope you feel better.

user: Thank you.

assistant: You are welcome. Goodbye.