Emotion: depression
Problem: Issues with Children
Situation: I am divorced and my kids live most of time with my ex wife in another state. I do not know what to do when I am in the depressed mood I feel so down in the dumps thinking of my kids. My ex wife tells them lies about me saying I left them. I came to Tennessee when I found out my mom had cancer and I got out of the military.

assistant: Hello how are you?

user: I am down feeling depressed I feel like the world is crashing down around me

assistant: I have suffered from depression and know how hard that can be What seems to have brought it on?

user: Thinking about my kids and wanting to be able to hug them and see them they are in a different state I have medications I take but I have so many different things going on

assistant: Oh that is hard being separated from family. Are you unable to t5ravel right now?

user: I have PTSD, sleep apnea, and numerous other issues I suffer from as well

assistant: I see So are you being followed by a specialist?

user: It is hard to travel at the moment I feel I can't trust anyone and don't like to be around a lot of people I do see a specialist

assistant: Okay so you are not feeling well enough to travel and see your kids am I right?

user: It's even hard for me to go outside No I am feeling very down and depressed right now and it is very hard

assistant: That sounds like it would be isolating...are you able to keep in touch with people by telephone, video chat and what not, are you feeling well enough for that?

user: My kids call me and facetime me

assistant: I know when I am depressed I don't want to see or talk to anyone...

user: My oldest son texts me a lot so I am thankful for that

assistant: Oh I'm so glad you are in touch in that way, do you find them supportive?

user: My kids make me happy to talk to but usually I don't feel like seeing anyone

assistant: Is there any way they can come and visit you?

user: I don't even know how to describe how I feel to people sometimes I hope they will be coming soon when my youngest son gets out of school

assistant: It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now.

user: My mood seems to go up and down but mostly stays down I don't like going anywhere

assistant: Is there anyone else besides your specialist and your kids that you can reach out to for support in your community, even if it's just by pone?

user: That makes me feel so bad too because I never used to be this way I am remarried and my wife tries to help as much as possible

assistant: And you won't feel this way forever, it will pass, know that, even if it does not feel like it, it will. It can be hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel when we are depressed.

user: I live close to my sister as well but it is still difficult for me to even talk a lot to them

assistant: Oh that's great you have a supportive wife!

user: I feel like I don't have anyone sometimes and she is supportive but I just get to feeling down and shutdown

assistant: In my community we have mental health programs, I am actually doing some via zoom, do you know if there is anything like that you can access?

user: I shutdown from everything and feel worthless sometimes

assistant: I understand that shut down feeling....I close right up when I am down

user: I hate to feel like that but I feel there is nothing I can do sometimes

assistant: Feeling worthless, uninterested in going out, those are symptoms of depression, they will pass

user: I don't find fun in things I used to do that was fun I feel so separated from people my parents both are gone now too

assistant: Lack of interest in things is also a symptom of depression. Once your depression lifts it will come back. I'll tell you what helped me when I was depresed...

user: My dad passed away 24 years ago and my mom passed away last easter too what helped you?

assistant: I was taught to make very small goals. For example, I found it hard to go out for a walk, even though I knew it would help my depression. (Exercise has been shown to be as effective as antidpressants) So I was told, just walk around the block. If that's too much, walk to the corner. If that's too much, walk to the end f the driveway. If that's too much, step outside. If that's too much, put your shoes on. Baby steps. And whatever small step you manage to acheive, celebrate it and reward yourself.

user: I would like to know because I don't like the feeling of depression and anxiety not being able to sleep

assistant: Ultimately, my last depression it was getting my covid shot that helped most....lifted a bunch of fear and anxiety and restored my hope. Does your specialist know you are this down?

user: I try to go out and walk my wife likes to go outside so I try to do that but I still feel so down and I don't like how I feel I have become I get angry all the time too I feel like Yes my specialist knows and I have appointments with them more often

assistant: And losing your mum last Easter, you are probably still dealing with grief on top of everything else. My parents are gone too, grief can be a long process. Grief is tough. That will get easier with time.

user: My meds I take have been increased and I hate to just take meds to try to help

assistant: The thing is though, depression is an illness. Would you take meds for another sort of illness, something physical?

user: It has been 24 years since my dad has passed away and he was my best friend and I still hurt everyday

assistant: That is hard, I'm sorry you are hurting Have you tried writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal?

user: I know and I try to get out but after I retired from military I still have thoughts about all that I seen there too and I hate that

assistant: okay so the PTSD is related to time in the military?

user: I don't like to tell everyone about that because I feel like I am bringing everyone down saying that too Yes the PTSD is from the military time

assistant: Are there any veterans groups in your area that help with that? Maybe connecting with others "in the same boat" would help

user: I am not sure but I don't like to be in big groups either

assistant: Or maybe there is a way online you could do that, virtual meetings, since you find it hard to get out. Could you handle a zoom group meeting?

user: I get easily startled now too when I am outside I always feel like someone is coming close to me and no one is there

assistant: I attend zoom group meetings for my mental health. They have helped.

user: I am not sure about that I feel ashamed a lot too about the way I feel

assistant: You are going through a lot, but you are stronger than you feel, I know you can get through this. Things will get easier.

user: I don't think people should feel the way I do and I don't understand my feelings either

assistant: Have you done any research online about PTSD....perhaps your veteran organization has resources on their website

user: I truly hope so because I feel like I am against a wall sometimes too with my thoughts and feelings

assistant: That is so hard, I hear you

user: I have not done a lot of research but I need to try that

assistant: Research is something solitary you can do

user: I feel like I am complaining to people too and that bothers me too because I am not

assistant: Whereabouts do you live?

user: I live in southern Tennessee

assistant: Well you are being honest. Some people will be able to handle that, some won't, but either way it takes courage to communicate how badly you feel.

user: I am with the VA now they get all my appointments for me I truly feel like my back is against the wall and I have never been that way I used to have fun

assistant: ok good. I see online that Tennessee Dept of Veterans lists some mental health resources

user: I go to see one of my specialists tomorrow actually VA

assistant: You will have fun again. Your feelings are due to depression, you will get through it, it will lift.

user: I really appreciate you listening to me You are very kind to listen and try to make things better

assistant: Good. Be honest and open with your specialist please? That's important. It's a pleasure listening to you, you're welcome

user: I hope you are right and someday these feelings do go

assistant: Aw thank you for the compliment

user: I hope you have a great rest of your day and thank you so much for the kindness

assistant: Honestly, I have been ill with depression several times, and have felt hopeless...and it always lifted You're so welcome. Feel better soon.

user: Thank you

assistant: And don't give up!!!

user: I am trying not too but that is the hard part I feel alone a lot I understand I am not but that is how I feel Bye for now and thank you again