Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: I've always struggled with depression. I just feel hopeless.

user: Hello

assistant: Hi there, how are you today?

user: I'm a bit bad honestly.

assistant: Can you tell me what's going on to cause you to feel this way?

user: I've been struggling with depression for a while. It's hard to deal with. I feel hopeless.

assistant: I see. I definitely understand how long bouts of depression can make you feel more hopeless. Have you discussed your depression with anyone else before?

user: I've spoken to a therapist but it didn't help. I tried a help hotline online but they thought I was suicidal so they called the cops to check on me .. never doing that again lol. I don't know what to do

assistant: Yeah, it sounds like you aren't suicidal. Though I do have to check; have you had any thoughts or tendencies of suicide or self-harm?

user: I have in the past. Recently, no. I just feel like I'll never be happy.

assistant: I understand. Can you provide any more information about your meeting with the therapist? You said talking to one didn't help, do you know why?

user: I think it didn't help because I'm a bit shy. Or because I didn't know where to start. It's hard to know what to talk about. I guess it also didn't help because she seemed like she was just reading a script. She wasn't the greatest at making me feel cared about You're doing pretty good though haha

assistant: That makes sense and is completely natural. It's difficult sometimes to open up to a stranger that you don't completely know or might not trust. It definitely sounds frustrating that she seemed like she was reading from a script. And I'm glad to hear you think I'm doing alright lol

user: I think therapy could work. Actually something happened with my therapist (maybe fired lol) and she's no longer my therapist.. so I need a new one.

assistant: That's interesting. I know from experience that finding a good therapist is all about trial and error, unfortunately. It's important to find the right fit and I would definitely suggest looking for a new one. Do you know of anyone in your life, maybe a friend or family member, that has been to therapy that you would be comfortable getting a recommendation from?

user: I think my closest friend has been to therapy. I could always ask her for a recommendation.

assistant: That sounds like a great idea! Remember to keep your friends close too. I know it can be tough when you feel as low as this, but it's important to have a good support system in addition to any therapy you might be receiving.

user: My friends and I look out for eachother. I think they're a good help :)

assistant: That's great to hear! It really sounds like you can go to them for support and often being there for someone else can make us feel better too.

user: This was a nice little chat! You should actually volunteer for a helpline haha

assistant: Aww that's so good of you to say!! I do want to confirm that you have a game-plan now, though. Remember to keep your friends close and to start looking for a new therapist if you haven't already. If you find one that's not the right fit it doesn't hurt to start over or maybe even ask for a recommendation from that therapist. If they're any good they should understand how important it is for you to find a good fit. Also remember to be kind to yourself. It can be difficult, but I know you can do it.

user: I'm ok! I got my friends and family. I made an appointment with my psychiatrist to get different medication so I could ask him for a therapist recommen dation as well.

assistant: That's absolutely wonderful to hear! Is there anything else you would like to discuss today?

user: I think I'm good. Thank you though! This was nice :)

assistant: Awesome. You've got this! Have a good rest of your day