Emotion: anxiety
Problem: academic pressure
Situation: I am having difficulty at school. I'm in my first year of college and since we have gone virtual, I don't see any friends. I want to drop out, but my parents would go crazy. I can't talk to them about it.

assistant: Hello, what can I help you?

user: I just need help deciding what to do.

assistant: What are you contemplating for?

user: I was doing okay in school, but when we had go virtual, I lost all my friends. I want to quit school and just go home. But my parents would not be happy.

assistant: why do you think so?

user: I don't see anyone but my roommate and she has a boyfriend. I'm so lonely!

assistant: How about joining a club at school to know more people?

user: We are in a lockdown because of COVID. So the clubs are not doing anything. I know I'm not the only one feeling this way.

assistant: So you're stuck with your roommate but she doesn't care about you?

user: She's just busy with her boyfriend. They go out on hikes and stuff, but they just want to go by themselves. I'm just on my own all the time.

assistant: Everyone feels that, and it's totally normal. Don't be too harsh on yourself

user: Do you think I should quit school and start again next fall?

assistant: Why don't you do something on your own? Read a book, do some crafts? I don't think you should do that. Who knows how next year's gonna look like? It might be even worse

user: I have. I've worked on my schoolwork, but it has been very easy. I also paint. But I need people. At home, I had all my friends around. Of course, we weren't in a pandemic then. This pandemic is making everyone feel lonely I think.

assistant: How about doing video call with your friends at home?

user: I hadn't thought about that! They are all at different schools, but maybe I can do a Zoom meeting for all of us.

assistant: I totally feel you, I feel stressed out and very uncertain throughout this pandemic. You are not alone

user: I guess my friends may be feeling stressed too. Maybe I'll try and start a Zoom party! We could plan a time and wear pajamas and just sit and talk.

assistant: Exactly, I do virtual happy hour with my friends every month

user: That sounds like fun! Why don't you do a virtual happy hour every week?

assistant: Not only that, when you feel lonely, text your friends and share it with them or your family Oh I am too busy to do that once a week. All of us are actually

user: I have been afraid to tell my parents how I'm feeling. I don't want them to worry about me. I want them to know I'm lonely, but not freak out about it :-)

assistant: I don't think so. Maybe they are waiting for you to say first and give you advice, they have more experience after all

user: That's true. And I do know my mom is working from home now and she's a really social person. It's probably getting to her too.

assistant: if that's the case, you can use this chance to be there for her. I think talking to your mom will help you both

user: Yes, I'll probably call her and my dad tonight. I'll let them know I'm a bit sad and lonely, but not so much that they worry. And then I'll start planning my virtual party with my friends!

assistant: Sounds like a great plan. I believe you can overcome this together

user: At least the party will give me something to look forward to!

assistant: Yes, right now I'm trying to teach myself one day at a time mindset

user: That seems like a smart thing to do. None of us can really do anything to make the pandemic go away. We just have to get through it one day at a time. Thank you for helping me come up with a plan!

assistant: That's the right mindset. I 'm glad I could be some help

user: Enjoy the rest of your night!