Emotion: shame
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: I feel like I am never going to be good enough to make it on my own. I'm struggling with finding a job right now, paying for anything for myself, and taking care of my teenage son who's driving me nuts as he's doing school from home. I really feel like I'm in a pit that I'll never get out of.

assistant: Hello, you there?

user: Yes I'm here

assistant: Good! How are you today?

user: I'm doing ok. Feeling kinda stuck at the moment though. Struggling with everything happening around me without me

assistant: You feel left out out. Is that what you're saying?

user: Maybe not so much left out but moreso left behind. I really feel like everyone else is where they're supposed to be in life and I'm just floundering here without a clue what to do next. I'm just so used to being a mom that now that my son is getting mroe independent, I really feel like when I try to look at myself, I don't see a path to things working out

assistant: I see and there was a time I felt lost or not needed too. What is it you would like to do with your life?

user: I really have no idea. I've been depressed for a really long time. I don't find joy in the things I used to so I don't even know what I like to do.

assistant: The best way to begin to solve a problem is recognizing there's a problem in the first place. Give yourself some credit because recognize there is a problem. Do you have friends who are mothers too and who are having some of the same issues as yourself?

user: No. I've isolated myself pretty good. Staying inside because of the virus has definitely helped to ease my anxiety but it makes life pretty lonely.

assistant: I see. You know if you get a mirror and look in it you'll see you are a natural leader. Here's the proof; You realized there's a problem. 2. You reached out for help. 3. You are aware of issues that are bigger than yourself. those are qualities of a leader. Have you thought about starting an online support group for parents? You would be good at it I bet.

user: I really appreciate you saying that. I used to be in a bunch of online support groups for single parents but life kind of got in the way and I didn't have a lot of time to focus on myself. I always had to be there for my son.

assistant: That's understandable. Most parents feel like you do so you're not alone. When I feel closed off I write. I make up stories where I'm always the heroe. Don't laugh. I always overcome some issue. I also write letters just to get out what I'm feeling. It helps and you should try it. Start a diary or write letters to your son so you can share them with him one . Are these activities you might like to try? Friend are you still there? Hello?

user: I do think I would like to try those activities! Sometimes I don't want to bother my kid with my problems but he's like the best friend I have I think I will take your advice and try to write some letters

assistant: Awww look at you. You got me smiling over here. I bet you will write some fantastic letters especially since you and your son are best friends. Good luck and call us and let us know how it's going okay? If that doesn't work together we'll come with something else. Remember there is nothing you can't overcome. You Got This! Good luck.

user: I really appreciate your kind words more than you know! Thanks for the great advice and I hope you are doing good as well! I hope you have a great day! Thank you so much