Emotion: anxiety
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: I have been suffering from general anxiety which gets worse at nights. Sometimes, I cannot pay attention to my work and feel of depressed, anxious, and so on. I look for some help to relieve from the current situation.

assistant: hi there how are you doing?

user: Hi, doing OK. how are you doing?

assistant: I am not so bad. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?

user: I am having difficulty in controlling my anxiety and look for some support.

assistant: Ah I hear you, I have suffered bad anxiety for years. Have you been getting medical help?

user: Not really, although I got some medication prescribed, however, am very afraid of getting addicted and reliance.

assistant: Some anti anxiety medication can be addictive but if you're sensible with it you should be okay. Talk to your doctor?

user: Yes, she suggested so. But I am not convinced. I see many friends getting relying on the medication even after they feel OK.

assistant: What about counselling .. would you consider that? There is some very good therapy available

user: I haven't thought about it...maybe not familiar with the circumstance. Maybe different culture that I have grown? I also have many friends who were not satisfied with counseling.

assistant: True - I know different cultures do take different approaches to things and in some places talking about mental health is taboo

user: I have no idea what to do. that's why I look for another support.

assistant: I would recommend giving counselling a go, even though you're not totally sure about it

user: what if it doesn't work and cost a lot?

assistant: Is it not possible to get it free? It is provided free in my country

user: very costy here in the US

assistant: Ah, you need to move here to the UK ;)

user: also varying by the healthcare providers. I didn't know that the UK has such a good coverage.

assistant: We don't have to worry about the cost of medication or counselling as we have socialised medicine

user: can you please explain further about socialized medicine?

assistant: Sure. Everyone pays a small percentage of their income - depending on how much they earn - and it goes to fund the NHS. Everyone is therefore eligible for free hospital treatment etc and we pay a standard amount (about ten pounds ie fourteen dollars) for a prescription, no matter which drugs we are gettign If I needed a heart transplant tomorrow it would be free :D

user: I see. That's how South Korea manage healthcare too.

assistant: Most of Europe do it that way. It works well :)

user: However, the US healthcare system is totally different, so commercialized. that's why I look for supporters today.

assistant: At least you'd be sure you'd be able to get help for your anxiety!

user: sure thing!

assistant: Alas yes, it's a very scary system. Too many people suffer cos they can't get insurance or pay their bills

user: yes, it is so sad even if I have a health insurance from my workplace, but we have to pay from out of pocket, which is ridiculous. Do you have any other suggestions to resolve my anxiety issue?

assistant: Yes it really is - I can imagine that that sends your anxiety sky high. We just don't have to worry about that - we pay in advance and no more than we can afford Well, how about Vitamin B? Strangely, it actually does work

user: I am currently taking, but still not effective.

assistant: you need quite a large dose each day - regular won't do anything

user: How large? I take one of the over the counter products.

assistant: I am probably not supposed to give medical advice :) But have a look online

user: I see. But thanks, I may look up that info.

assistant: It genuinely did help me though

user: good to hear!

assistant: Anyway thank you for talking and I wish you well!

user: Thank! I may try higher dose of Vitamin B. Have a good one!