Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: In the last year I have been dealing with chronic health issues as well as have Covid-19 shut everything down.  I feel like my life has come to a complete stop and there is nothing to look forward to anymore.

user: Hello, I've been really depressed lately and feel like there isn't anything I can do to break this feeling.

assistant: Can you tell me what happened?

user: November before Covid started I was diagnoses with CRPS (its a nerve issue that causes immense pain) and had to stop doing my activities like dance, then when Covid hit last March and we all had to isolate I have not been able to interact with people outside my immediate family.

assistant: So you suffered from a nerve issue pain and not being able to do the activities you like to do before Covid. Plus Covid made u not able to social with other people. Is that correct?

user: Yes that is correct

assistant: I feel isolated as well after long time quarantine. It's like living alone in the forest.

user: I know I'm not alone and that's what makes it hard to reach out, because I don't want people to think that I think my problems are worse then there's. It just seems like everyone was happy to find different ways to stay in touch when the lockdown all first started but the longer it goes on the less everyone seems to be trying to connect.

assistant: I bet there are lots of people feel the same as you do. But they are afraid of sharing the negative emotion to others as you do. It seems that you don't want to bother others. You seem a very thoughtful person.

user: I just don't know what to do about it anymore Yes, I don't like to bother others or let other people down

assistant: That will give yourself too much emotion burden for sure. Have you visited a physician for suggestion of your pain relief? Maybe yoga will be a more gentle way to replace dancing. What do you think?

user: It is a lot, I'm used to being the person that everyone comes to for help, but I am not very good at asking for help myself. I have seen a doctor and they started my new medicine regimen but unfortunately there is no cure for this disease. I was going to physical therapy but finished that right as Covid started. Plus it does get better as the weather gets warmer so the winter has been hard, really looking forward to spring and summer for a little relief

assistant: I'm sorry to hear that no good medicine for your issue rite now.

user: I'd be open to doing Yoga once things open back up, but having this disease puts me in a high risk category so my interaction outside the home still has to remain limited until we develop some heard immunity.

assistant: I know. Sunshine is always best cure for a better mood. Did you try to maybe walk or drive around your neighborhood for some fresh air? Oh, then drive around might be the only option

user: I'm hoping to get out and go for walks once the weather warms up, unfortunately right now there is still some snow on the ground and it's not quite warn yet being in the northeast

assistant: Ye. You did the right choice. Safety is always the first concern

user: I did take walks along the path in our development last summer so the cabin fever wasn't as bad as it seems to be with all the snow that basically kept me inside all of february

assistant: Does where you live have a online social activity group on FB or an app called Neighbors? That could be a good way to communicate with others in a safe way.

user: The local FB group is only full of everyone complaining about everyone else (seems when everyone is home things seem to get on peoples nerves more so then when people could get away from home consistently) but I've never heard of the app Neighbors, I'll have to look into that.

assistant: Give that a try. Maybe you will meet some friends there.

user: I will definitely have to look into that

assistant: Sounds great. I'm glad you didn't give up seeking for solutions to make yourself feel better

user: Getting someone else's perspective helps because like you recommending that app, there are things I don't know about out there so I appreciate that.

assistant: You are welcome! Glad I can help

user: You did thank you, and I hope you have a good day and a great weekend and stay safe yourself!