Emotion: anxiety
Problem: academic pressure
Situation: It is finals week at my college and  I am very anxious about it.

user: It is finals week at my college and I'm beyond anxious about it (1)

assistant: Taking finals certainly is tough, there's so much to think about. What's bothering you the most?

user: Probably my stamina and endurance to finish all the work. I'm still recovering from Covid-19 (2)

assistant: Have you spoken to anyone at the college about this?

user: Yes, but they haven't been much help unfortunately. My classes are online and finals are due when finals are due. They are not giving any wiggle room (3)

assistant: It must make you feel quite trapped knowing that the college aren't cutting you a bit of slack considering you are still recovering from a serious illness. It sounds like you are trying your best and not giving up already.

user: No I cannot give up at all. My scholarship requires me to maintain a certain GPA and I can't afford to lose it (4)

assistant: It's good to hear that you're not giving up. Sometimes in these situations, you just have to do your best and then at least you know you did what you could. I like to tell myself in these situations that if there are no other avenues to explore, you just have to 'go with the flow' and don't beat yourself up thinking about it over and over - if there's nothing you can do, just do your best to ride it out

user: I know, there is just so much riding on these finals. I have great grades so I'm praying that I pass without any issues and that I don't bomb even one of them (5) Are you still there?

assistant: If you tried hard previously then you may come out the other end having done very well! When I was at school a long time ago, I had to stay off school for a month, when they were practising the exams. I didn't get chance to do those and I thought 'wow I'm totally screwed here', but guess what? I did okay!

user: I hope that's what happens, I just don't know how to calm down about it (6)

assistant: Yes, I'm here

user: Do you know any techniques to help me calm down? (7)

assistant: It's totally understandable. I think even without the COVID situation, you would still be anxious. It's totally natural. Not that that discounts how you feel. Do you agree?

user: Yes, that is true. I just can't quite seem to quiet my mind. (8)

assistant: Well, I've tried meditating a few times before which doesn;t take it all away, it just takes the edge off! I used a guided meditation app. I also listened to white noise when I went to sleep as I was having trouble sleeping. I find even if you're mind is just taken away from it all for a few minute, it can re-balance you a little

user: I've tried watching some comedy shows and listening to music to take my mind off of it. It works sometimes (9)

assistant: Maybe you should do more of that, it sounds like a good idea? Don't feel guilty for doing so either as it acts as a 'medicine'. If the 'medicine' works then take it

user: I will try to focus more on that when I'm not studying and see if it keeps helping then (10)

assistant: Sounds like a plan! It's certainly worth giving it a go. We need a break from it all sometimes or we'd all go mad.