Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: The pandemic has made me depressed.  My life feels out of control.

user: I'm stressed about COVID. I'm worried about getting it and having to stay home and lose money.

assistant: So COVID has been especially hard on you?

user: My husband has been laid off for 2 months and unemployment benefits only cover half of what he was making.

assistant: Just hearing that, I can imagine what a scary time this is.

user: Yes, and I have lots of kids and they are working in essential services so not only do i have to worry about covid but i have to worry about my kids getting covid. i can't wait until this pandemic is over and things can get back to normal.

assistant: Do your kids understand how helpful wearing a mask can be?

user: They do. They wear masks while at work but they still have boyfriends and they don't wear mask with friends or boyfriends.

assistant: So sometimes you worry that they aren't doing enough to protect themselves. I know I'm more worried about others than I am about myself right now.

user: Yes, and they are young so they do not understand how important it is to practice social distancing and wear a mask. We have had so many covid tests. Luckily they have all been negative.

assistant: Maybe just reminding them that wearing masks protects both them and others could help? They sure wouldn't want to infect you or your husband, or others.

user: I do but they are young and the young are selfish. I'm not worried about getting covid. I'm worried about having to quarantine at home and not work. i supervise 15 people and if I get exposed I can't work for 3 weeks.

assistant: That is really relatable. I can understand how scary it is for you, especially with your husband's pay cut. What if you talk to a close friend when your anxiety is especially difficult ?

user: Yes, there is nothing to do but keep putting what foot in front of the other and doing the next best thing.

assistant: And with the holidays, I think it's really hitting a lot of us even harder right now. I feel that way too. Have any of your coworkers gotten covid?

user: Right. I hope we make it through the holidays without the pandemic getting even more out of control than it already is. I have had some coworkers at my location exposed to COVID and have to quarantine. At some of our other locations I have had coworkers get COVID and have to quarantine. My workplace is safe with PPE so I do not worry about getting covid from coworkers.

assistant: I'm glad you're safe in that regard. Is your husband working out of home or out in the field/office?

user: I had one poor coworker get exposed to covid twice. She has been gone off and on for over 2 months. My husband does construction and has been laid off for a couple of months. Construction has gone down because of the pandemic. Everyone has put a halt to projects.

assistant: Oh, I understand now. I thought he still how part time work. I can imagine how scary that is for you. My husband's work was at a standstill until summer. It is better but shows signs of slowing down too.

user: It is worse because it is the holidays. Christmas presents and all. Yes- the work situation is definitely not good. I'm lucky because my employer is weathering the pandmemic pretty well. We are staying employed- just no annual raise but I'll take a job instead of a raise.

assistant: So you're at least assured your income will be OK. That is very good news. Maybe this is a good year not to worry too much about presents?

user: It is so at least things aren't as bad as they could be. i actually feel better talking about this. Thanks for everything and good luck in the future.