Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: I've recently lost my job due to the covid situation and my funds are dwindling by the day while we've been out into another lockdown

assistant: Good morning! What can I help you with today?

user: Hi, i've been feeling really depressed lately and I'd like to talk to someone about it

assistant: That is very understandable. Depression is tough to deal with. Do you have specific things that are causing you sadness right now or is it an overall feeling of being sad?

user: It's a bit of everything. I've recently lost my job and I'm just really worried about how my bills are going to get paid. I feel so tired, you know?

assistant: I totally understand. Losing your job is a very rough thing to go through, I'm sorry that happened to you. Feeling constantly at red alert is taxing both mentally and physically. There is a concept called Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and sometimes I find it useful to think about if my needs are being met, and which is lacking. Which is to say, obviously financial security is your primary need at the moment, but there are other needs you must attend to as well, including your physical comforts. In times of great stress and upheaval, there is only so much you can do. The rest is worry, a hamster running in a wheel, a huge output of energy that does nothing at all.

user: Yeah that makes sense but I've spent so much time thinking about my finances that I've sort of burned myself out Like I have no energy even to be thankful for the other little stuff

assistant: That makes sense. You sound emotionally exhausted.

user: Definitely, I feel like I could sleep forever but with my kids to worry about I don't have that option

assistant: Gratitude is one of those things, I've found, that is self-perpetuating. Even if you begin by doing it robotically, eventually your mind and heart will want to be more sincerely grateful. I have in the past challenged myself to find five things to be grateful for in the morning and write them down. Whether those things are "I have hot coffee and electricity" or "I won $1000 for free", they will begin to start a small fire of joy.

user: Messages could work, I could stick them around and I guess they coudl help not just me but my little ones too because I'm sure my moods been affecting them as well

assistant: That sounds like a great idea! It sounds like you care a lot about your kids, I bet it's easy for you to be grateful for them :-) And I know that they are grateful for you, whether they are able to articulate that or not

user: Absolutely the little terrors are the reason I get up in the morning. I can't let them down, you know Their dad's not arpund so its just us I'm all they've got

assistant: Well that is an enormous amount of responsibility that has been placed upon your shoulders, but your attitude seems extremely pleasant and positive. It does not sound easy, but you should make sure you build in some time for yourself if you can.

user: I'm going to try, the messages idea is a really good one so I think I'll give that a try. I mean I am grateful for my kids and I guess things could be worse I do still have some savings left and I can always try to get another job

assistant: You definitely have options, but your situation is still tough, and you deserve relief where you can get it.

user: I'll keep that in mind but thank you for taking the time to let me get things off my chest It really helps

assistant: Of course, I am happy if I was able to help. You have a good heart and love your kids, you stay strong, you can do this :-)

user: Thank you and I'll be trying! I hope you have awesome day and thanks again