Emotion: anxiety
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: My son is a recovering meth addict and has relapsed again. After two weeks of using he admitted himself back into rehab as he as done many times in the past without a lot of success. I am afraid it will be the same this time, that he will get out of rehab and then start using again.

assistant: HI, how are you today?

user: I am not doing well. I am very worried about my son's chances of recovery after so many relapses and frustrated because I know there is really nothing I can do to change things for him.

assistant: You must be very frustrated from feeling unable to do something.

user: I am. He is a different person when he's not on drugs but when he is using he can get really mean and he scares me.

assistant: I remember when my mother was having end of life mental declining issues. I understand feeling as if the person is changing and having unusual moods and mood swings. Do you have anyone you can talk to?

user: I try not to think about the situation, because I don't see him since he lives in another state. But I can't get everything out of my mind. And yes I have my husband to talk to, that helps some. It's when I'm trying to sleep or when my husband isn't home that's the worst for me.

assistant: You are feeling the way anybody in your situation would fee like. It must be helpful to have a husband who listens and can be supportive when he is there. Have you always had sleep issues?

user: It does help but he's as frustrated and upset as I am. I can't sleep at night for dwelling on everything and I don't know how to stop the thoughts about all the terrible things that could happen. When I'm upset about something I cannot sleep but if I'm in a good state of mind I sleep well.

assistant: Being upset can make someones mind race and make it really difficult to rest or get any sleep at all. Have you ever gone through anything like this before?

user: Yes I've been dealing with my son's addiction and recovery and relapses for the last three years.

assistant: I can relate to being close to someone who is addicted. It can feel very sad and lonely at times. I would want to change the person in my life but just has to learn to let go instead. It is a process that takes years to learn.

user: I am realizing that more every day. If it wasn't my son and just a good friend I would probably end the relationship but a mother can't do that to her own children, you know what I mean? And you are so right. I can't change or control him, I can only change and control myself and my responses to him. That is so difficult to do.

assistant: Yes, I understand how it can feel like our children are always our babies and we want to fix everything for them. Sometimes it feels like we can change them or re raise them if we just do more for them. Have you had the chance to speak to a close friend or pastor about this situation?

user: Not really. Most of my friends haven't dealt with that so they don't really understand what I am going through, or even what my son is going through. But you're right, I have to learn to let go and let him fix his own problems with no intereference from me.

assistant: You are very self aware and have good insight. I notice that you are very in touch with your feelings. You can use writing as a way to release emotions and express yourself, as you are now.

user: Thank you, I will try that. Like a journal maybe?

assistant: Yes, I can recommend a journal on Amazon that I also use. Thank you for sharing with me today. Please reach back out anytime.

user: Thank you so much! I appreciate what you do!