Emotion: fear
Problem: job crisis
Situation: I am worried I do not play the politics game well enough for the growth I want.

user: Hi, how are you?

assistant: I good, how are you feeling?

user: I am worried that COVID-19 has made me depressed. I am usually a well mannered, even personality but I find myself impatient and possibly getting depressed.

assistant: So you think that COVID-19 has made you depressed? Could there be anything else that could be bothering you?

user: Possibly... I think the remote learning of my kids and the iability to leave the house or go out, is making me sadder than normal.

assistant: I completely understand where you are coming from there. I feel like remote learning takes away from some of the social aspects of life that need to happen in order for a healthy life.

user: I am also worried that I am not playing the political game well. I feel like I am too straight forward, not rude, but I should play politics more to get ahead.

assistant: I understand that as well. It seems that no matter how politically involved we are, things are always changing. Change is a good thing though as it makes us stronger as people. Do you have any hobbies/interests?

user: I agree. As I deal with more and more power, there seems to be more politics. Yes, I like to watch movies and workout. THat's about it. with a wife and 2 kids, I don't have more time.

assistant: Sometimes some of the best things we can do is t get out and away from all the things that WE as people have created. Get into the woods and throw a ball around.

user: That would be nice. Is that what you do when you are stressed or depressed?

assistant: I understand, especially having the remote learning going on, it is hard to get away from work and school.

user: Yeah. How do you cope with your stresses? I find myself drinking more than I want now too.

assistant: I try to, I love packing a day back with some easy snacks, and going out for a hike through the woods. Sometimes I use the state trails but sometimes I just go out and make my own new trail.

user: That's fun. I try to get out once a month for a nice hike. We did the Indiana Dunes last month and that was good. With the snow coming, it might be more snow shoeing moving forward.

assistant: Well, drinking doesn't really deal with it. It only pushes things off for later to deal with. Exercising is a really good way to deal with that stress.

user: Yeah. I have not missed a workout since COVID-19 started. That seems to keep me grounded.

assistant: That's true! I used to live in Ohio, and the weather was amazing this time of year.

user: Yeah. In chicago, we have a lot of snow but also some good state trails. It's been helpful, especially when this first started. I live across the street from a forest preserve, which was a life saver.

assistant: Are you able to do more workouts? Sometimes I have found that running (which I hate doing) makes me feel so much better in times of high stress. Running also releases endorphins into the body which will help to alleviate some of the drinking/stress.

user: I am trying to do more. I work out daily and that isgood but I am trying yoga for the second workout. Thanks for your help.