Emotion: anxiety
Problem: conflict with parents
Situation: Since COVID-19 I've been trying to help my parents by giving them advice.  I tell them to avoid large crowds due to my dad being on Oxygen at night.  He doesn't want to listen and goes places without caring.  I'm very anxious about him getting sick.

assistant: Hello there how can I help?

user: I'm feeling so worried about the COVID-19 crisis.

assistant: So you feel anxiety about this whole COVID-19 epidemic?

user: Yes, I'm particularly worried about my parents. One is on oxygen at night, but he still doesn't want to listen about not going in crowds.

assistant: Oh well I understand your concern then. As a son or daughter it is certainly reasonable to be concerned about your parents especially as they grow older. I have a similar situation with my own mother.

user: I just don't know what more to do.

assistant: Well first of all, you have to take care of yourself because if you don't you can't help them. So just take a moment to close your eyes and take some deep breaths and realize you stressing is probably going to make them stress.

user: That is helpful information. What can I tell them?

assistant: Well if you can get some concrete info such as from the CDC and John Hopkins showing case counts in your area. Show them graphs so they can visually see the impact. Also if you can get a hold of their doctor yourself, see if you can convince them to give your parents a call, say to check on them and give them some advice.

user: That sounds like a good plan. Is there anything else I can do to decrease the anxiety for me?

assistant: Don't get absorbed in the numbers, it can drive you crazy. Also if you are using social media like twitter and getting inundated with info, remember a lot of it is fake. I would suggest limiting exposure for a little while just to get you fixed a little bit, if that makes sense.

user: Do you think there are some good social media sites that could help?

assistant: Not particularly social media because it open to everyone, just pick and choose where you choose to get info from. The CDC is a great resource as well as the John Hopkins site which has been tracking since the beginning. Everybody has a couple of news outlets they trust, use those.

user: How can I cope with limiting my visits with my parents because I am afraid to spread COVID?

assistant: First of all you are not alone. but don't let them see you anxious for sure. You can also show them if they can how to do video visits. You can do that all the time, even phone calls every day. It means a lot.

user: That makes sense. I appreciate the suggestions. How can I show them the kids care too?

assistant: Nothing will make grandparents smile more than seeing their grandkids on a video call. If you don't want to bring them when you physically visit have them record themselves on your phone as an example.

user: Maybe I can send them some pictures too. Nothing like a great big hug, but for now some video chats and pictures or recordings may help. I'm starting to feel a little more relief.

assistant: Of course. I don't know if they dressed up for Halloween, but see if they want to dress up and take some pictures for grandma. Pictures and voice and video are wonderful in these times.

user: Thank you so much for helping. I think I can use your advice. Take care and have a great day!