Emotion: fear
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: My  health is crazy and I may have to face a major surgery. I have a severe auto immune disorder and even though I've had it for 8 years you never get used to it.

assistant: Good evening.

user: hello

assistant: How are you this evening?

user: Things are always crazy, and of course with the pandemic my anxiety is even more through the roof. It's not a good time to have immune issues

assistant: Are you someone who has immune issues?

user: I am also facing the real possibility of surgery which scares the heck out of me. I am! I have a severe auto immune disease called Ulcerative Colitis, and I am on immuno suppresant meds on top of that

assistant: Just to clarify, you are extremely anxious about the pandemic and the affect it may have on you because of your weakened immune system.

user: Well kind of yes. I am going crazy because I've had this for 8 years now and it's forever changing. I've been hospitalized so many times its crazy. This pandemic has made things worse because stress makes it all worse

assistant: Just from the few messages we have exchanged, I can tell it makes you very anxious

user: Its just really depressing not knowing what to expect next. Its hard to trust the good days sometimes because you can have a wonderful day and wake up really sick the next. Its very unpredictable and I think whats worse is that people really don't understand.

assistant: Have you reached out to support groups for people with auto-immune issues? it is often helpful to speak with people who are experiencing the same issues you are.

user: Yes I am part of many on facebook, and yes it does help a lot. I just wish my husband would be able to understand. He says and does some things that make me feel even worse. Almost like he thinks I'm making it up at times. Like, dear goodness no.

assistant: Have you talked to him about the way he reacts to your immune issues? Sometimes people don't realize they are not being helpful and they think they are doing good when they aren't.

user: I have tried to talk to him but he seems very uninterested at times. I even tried going to counseling with him and that didn't work. It's just frustrating. He was with me when the one doctor had said just how bad it was and he didn't seem to really pay attention. He was also there when I had to have an emergancy blood transfusion and it was really hard to read him. He just doesnt say or so much

assistant: Have you asked what his feelings are towards it? Maybe he is afraid and worried about your health and he isn't sure how to express it and sometimes it comes off as uninterested.

user: Yeah whenever I try it's like pulling teeth. I know some of it is how he was brought up. I don't think his dad ever showed much emotion/ so yes I'm sure that has something to do with it. I also feel bad a lot of the time because I have two kids. I feel like I fail them a lot our oldest was born before I got sick. Our youngest was a miracle baby. I was on birth control and he was determained anyway :) He is definatly a gift but I feel bad often

assistant: Have you been able to talk to your kids about this as well?

user: My oldest yes, he seems to understand, he is 8.5 years old. Our youngest is only one so he doesn't understand any of this yet. He says he understands, but I'm not sure on just what level.

assistant: Yea, with young kids it is hard to tell sometimes I know this is extremely hard, but I know you can make it through this!