Emotion: depression
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I am a mother of two and I have been a stay at home, homeschooling mom since Covid hit last year. Can hardly make ends meet.

assistant: Hi

user: hi, how are you?

assistant: good how are you can you talk more about your feelings at this time?

user: Ive been better, but thank you for asking. I have suffered through depression my entire adult life. Now its at its all time worst. I am financially struggling and trying to provide for my 3 kids. I can no longer afford doctors visits or my prescription meds for anxiety and depression I feel overwhelmed and hopeless. have you ever struggled with depression or anxiety?

assistant: it sounds like you're really anxious and stressed about this situation let's try to figure out a path to move foward Yes I have also struggled with depression and anxiety

user: absolutely I am sorry that you too, know what that is like how are you coping with that now?

assistant: I try to do yoga and meditate in order to deal with stress it's great that you are trying to find solutions

user: That is awesome! Meditation is my go to. I love nature, crystals and meditation. Thank you I am trying my best.. it is challenging Im good at helping others, but I have neve been able to help myself or listen to my own advice for some reason.

assistant: I have struggled with the same, have you considered counseling or another form of therapy ?

user: I have, but I haven't followed through because of money constraints. It also makes me very nervous to open up and talk face to face about my struggles HAve you done that, if so, did it help you?

assistant: I have tried different methods of therapy, and have found low cost options in my area

user: That is good! Can I ask what state you are from? I am in Tennessee

assistant: I am from connecticut

user: nice, I have never been there before. How was the weather there today? It was 65 degrees and sunny here today.

assistant: around 40 degrees and windy and there is still snow on the ground

user: Oh wow! We rarely get snow, but a couple weeks ago we got snowed in. The mos snow my kids have ever seen!

assistant: I miss the sun we have been snowed in for months

user: Thank you for talking to me, it has been a nice distraction from my own brain

assistant: you're welcome!

user: I can understand that! I love the sun and hate gloomy days Do you have any children?

assistant: No im in college

user: thats cool, what are you studying?

assistant: Economics and Geography

user: thats awesome!

assistant: Thank you!

user: I was horrible in my high school economics class, I could have used your help for sure lol

assistant: trust me the first economics test I took I got a 55% it did not come naturally to me

user: It is not easy! What kind of work are you wanting to do when you are finished with college?

assistant: Urban planning, what do you do for work?

user: that is cool! I was a vet tech for 8 years before having children, Then once my kids started elementary school, I was the child nutrition manager and ran their schools cafeteria. Since covid, I have not worked and I home school them. I miss working with animals!

assistant: I love animals I have a cat! His name is lucky

user: That is a cute name! I have a dog named Mamoa, he was a rescue from the Nashville Tornado that happened a year ago!

assistant: Wow do animals help with your stress?

user: he is a pitbull mix, we are not sure what he is mixed with, id guess a lab yes very much so I see him as my therapist lol

assistant: I have never had any dogs before but I see my cat as a therapist too

user: he also has anxiety from all he has been through so we are clingy to each other I am glad you have Lucky for that!

assistant: You should take him on walks it would probably reduce anxiety for the both of you!

user: That is a great idea! I take him to state parks on trails sometimes when the weather is nice. I really need to make it a daily thing Should we end this convo? Ive never done one of these before

assistant: me either but i think we have enough data you have to end it because you're the peer

user: okay, well I really appreciate your time and your input. it did cheer me up good luck in college!