Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: Raising grandson and he is being very difficult and not listening.  I also have a lot of medical issues that limit my abilities.  And my grandson's father is no help, he just drops him off and leaves, never asks if need anything or how I am doing.

assistant: Hello, how are you feeling today?

user: Hi to be honest I am very depressed and angry today

assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. What is causing you these feelings?

user: Since helping to raise my grandson and his dad is not helping, or cares how I am feeling. My grandson has been really difficult lately and I find myself losing my temper quickly .

assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. That sounds like a difficult situation. Have you tried any personal exercises to help you cope with the situation until you find a resolution?

user: I do go to a quiet place and try some deep breathing, but my grandson always comes walking in

assistant: That's certainly a difficult situation. Is there no resolution possible with the father of your grandson? I want to make sure that th e cause of the depression has properly been addressed by you or someone else.

user: I try talking to him, but due to my grandson having some disabilities his dad does not really want to be bothered. I just want my grandson to succeed and be the best he can be

assistant: I think it's great that you have such care and concern for your grandson. That shows how incredible you are and on behalf of your grandson, I think you are doing a tremendous job. I think you should continue to support him however you can, but it's also important to take care of yourself. Do you have time available for additional self care, or are there any new exercises you can try to try to take care of yourself?

user: Thank you for saying that it means alot having someone tell me I am doing a good job. I recently purchased a hot tub and have been thinking that maybe when he goes to bed I could go out and relax, but have not done that yet

assistant: That sounds like a great start. Self care is vitally important in this difficulty time with COVID and the pandemic. I recommend any little bit of time that you can contribute to yourself, this includes reading, relaxing, meditating, exercise, or just resting. Anything that can help you repair so you are better prepared to help your grandson.

user: I will try my best to get more time for myself and try to relax more often that I currently am. I am also trying to accept that my medical issues are getting worse and I can not do all that I use to, and that truly frustrates me as well.

assistant: Do you think the anger you are feeling is directly a result of the situation? Do you feel the anger is manifested from somewhere else? I think it is important to get to the underlying source of the anger and take care of that first and foremost. That's concerning, but very understandable. Are you able to financially seek additional help? Sometimes it's just what you need, as hard or embarrassing as that may seem. No one needs to know what you seek, but it is important not to disregard additional help, be it mental health, physical therapy, or just general prevention and detection from a PCP.

user: I feel that I am having trouble dealing with the fact that I am not able to do all the things I want to do. It is not an easy thing to lose your abilities when you feel so young but your body says otherwise. I was in physical therapy but could not afford it any longer. So instead I purchased my own hot tub to be able to soak in and do some water exercises that may help me.

assistant: I think that's a normal way to feel and a frustrating part of growing older. I think focusing on positives and things you enjoy will help keep your mind away from thinking about "what used to be" or "what once was" - finding passions and joys in new things could help revitalize you. Can I help you find new hobbies or passions? I think exercise bands are a great way to keep your limbs loose and nimble. They are affordable and available on Amazon. I have some and I think they're great. YouTube can help with exercises.

user: That is a great idea, I may even have some here that I could use. I am lucky that I do have two dogs that keep me going as well and am trying to get out and take them on walks more, but not easy when is so cold out lately.

assistant: Totally understandable. I'm a little younger and even I am sick of sub 50F weather, so that's not age holding you back! I think it's important to maintain positivity and find any outlet that keeps that going for you.

user: Thank you I will definalty do that and will look for some additional exercises to do.

assistant: You're welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with today, even if it's something as simple as providing suggestions for new things to try?

user: I would love some additional suggestions!!

assistant: Meditation has worked wonder for my best friend. The app Headspace is fantastic. I'd also recommend podcasts, using either and app or your computer, and find a series on a topic that you enjoy, weather it's mindfulness, or self-care. There are plenty to choose from and you can go at your own pace.

user: Those sound like great ideas, thank you again!!