Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: I just feel sad and it is hard to get my mind focused on anything. I am overwhelmed by the current state of the world.

assistant: hi how's it going today?

user: Hello. I just find life very hard. I have not been happy in months.

assistant: i hear you. it has been a hard year. what's been the biggest challenge for you?

user: Going out and getting things done. Shopping is hard especially when stores are picked over.

assistant: it is frustrating not being able to get what you want when you want it. are you having a hard time finding the things you need for right now or for in the future?

user: Both. I feel like the future is uncertain. Not just for me but the world.

assistant: it's true, we are not sure what to expect. have you looked for things online?

user: Yes, but I feel like a lot of it is speculation and news just makes people more fearful.

assistant: it is like there's a collective panic going on right now. I know for me focusing on the things i CAN control has helped me from spiraling into panic and depression

user: How do you deal with other people who focus on all the bad things?

assistant: the "little black rain cloud" people? LOL I try very hard to be kind and remember that we all are going throgh the same pandemic and for most of us it's our first

user: Thanks. Do you think things will get better any time soon?

assistant: While there is a lot to focus on that is just awful, it has really helped me to look back to the spanish flue of 1918 that pandemic was followed byt he roaring 20s

user: I know people thinking the country will collapse soon. Hard to deal with them.

assistant: The doomsday people are always around. remeber they mayans predicted the end of the world in 2012

user: I have family like that and it is hard to deal with them. Especially during the holidays.

assistant: are you familiar with Mr. Rogers' story about looking for the helpers when things go bad?

user: No but I did love that show as a kid.

assistant: Family is hard! So many strong emotions and opinions that aren't always helpful. anyone in particular for you?

user: My dad and my GF's dad both have their own opinons on things

assistant: so when disasters happen you dont focus on the bad things but look and you will always find people helping other people

user: Yes. I also don't feel like the world will decent into madness, but they do not believe it.

assistant: oooh, that's hard. are you living at home with your dad? as a mom, i can tell you that the unknown for your children is scary. often fear and lack of control come out sideways

user: No but near him and take care of him.

assistant: that's really nice of you. i'm 800+ miles away from my parents

user: That is good and bad. I think it is good to talk about though I do feel a little better thank you.

assistant: if i can suggest something that might help - brene brown, a leadership coach and researcher has a great TED talk about shame and vunerability and a CUTE cartoon animal video on yourtube about empathy

user: Ok thank you very much. I think this is a good stopping point, so thank you for your help

assistant: those help me focus on how hard it is for everyone around me and that i should be kinder to them. everyone has their own crap

user: Indeed. it helps to have people to talk to right?

assistant: true. stay safe