Emotion: sadness
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: Girlfriend has an illness that keeps me guessing all the time

assistant: How are you doing today?

user: I'm doing alright. Just a little sad.

assistant: I'm sorry to hear your sad. Is there anything I can do to help you?

user: Yeah, maybe just make a little sense of this craziness I'm going through.

assistant: Sure, let's talk it out

user: My girlfriend has this condition where she needs to drink formula everyday just to keep her brain working properly. And she keeps talking about the potential of kids. I freak out thinking that I could have her die and being left with kids.

assistant: That's a valid concern and overwhelming to think about I'm sure. What is her prognosis?

user: Maple Syrup Urine Disease Basically she can only have 7 grams of protein a day. If she gets more. That could result in severe brain damage.

assistant: And is this something that she will die early because of?

user: Not exactly. It just means her liver can't metabolize three amino acids.

assistant: So if she manages it she can live a relatively normal life?

user: Yes, for the most part. She still gets very clumsy and can is very prone to sickness getting very bad. So it has it's challenges. I just keep hearing about gene therapy for that I'm just at the point where I'm not I could go on if something horrible happens.

assistant: Sure, I can see where it would be challenging and pregnancy would be scary. But I'd suggest discuss it with her doctor to see what they suggest.

user: Her doctor said for her. She has to give blood work all the time... Which for me is insane.

assistant: As hard as it is to think about, you'd also have a piece of her

user: I would probably be a shell of a person if something happens. I just always been terrified of children. I keep telling her but she wants like 3 kids

assistant: Do you simply not want kids? Because if she does and you don't, you can't blame it on her condition, that would be making her give up something that wouldn't be fair.

user: Yeah. I try making that clear. But no one wants her to die.

assistant: I understand, you may need to have a hard conversation with her.

user: I don't really have an interest for them. Maybe I'll be there and love them the same at the time. But currently. I just don't see me being feeling any sort of way later Yeah. I've told her like 20 times. I'm starting to think she can't process normally.

assistant: Maybe you're not right for each other if you have such different views on this subject. Neither one of you should have to give in to something they don't want.

user: Well it's not like I actively don't want kids I just don't want her to die. Or for the kids to die from something I can't control I had so many siblings die Seen what it did to my father. And he is not the same I've been to so many funerals as a kid for young children in my family. I just don't see kids the same way anymore.

assistant: Unfortunately it sounds like you've had a lot of experience with that, and I can understand that. I've been to my fair share as well. But you also can't live your life in fear or you're not really living. Unfortunately it sounds like you've had a lot of experience with that, and I can understand that. I've been to my fair share as well. But you also can't live your life in fear or you're not really living. Or allowing her to live the life she wants as well.

user: I suppose that helps me cope. I want her to do what she likes. My mom had me out of the feeling of being lonely. And to be honest. It kind of feels like a worthless existence. She literally made me stay silent about going to a baby brother's funeral when I was a kid.

assistant: Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. It sounds like you have someone who cares about you and wants a part of you to exist in another living being. I know you're scared and that's valid, but you have an opportunity to do things differently than what your mom did for you.

user: Yeah. I guess that is a better way to think. I don't want to extend that sadness to my own flesh and blood. Especially the person who values me so much. The doctors trust she can do it and I know medicine is getting better.

assistant: But having gone through that yourself, you know exactly what NOT to do.

user: Everyone tells me that. Haha

assistant: Then it must be good advice lol

user: I really appreciate the advice. I won't make someone else sad off of those experiences. I think people deserve better.

assistant: You deserve better than thinking your feelings don't count for something. There are people that love you and want to listen and be a part of your life.

user: Yeah. My grand mother and older sister actively support me. I had an uncle that passed sadly but I know that feeling of love and support will never leave me.

assistant: Good, I'm glad you have that support.

user: Well you have been an excellent support system.

assistant: Thank you, I'm glad I was able to chat with you and wish you the best!

user: Of course, may you have a happy holiday.