Emotion: anxiety
Problem: job crisis
Situation: Trying to balance the long demanding work hours with having family time. I’m getting mentally drained and not able to recharge.

assistant: Hi there, is there anything on your mind at the moment?

user: Hello. I’m hoping you can help me as I’m having a hard time recharging. I can’t seem to take a day off without working,

assistant: So you feel that you need to be able to relax and unwind once in a while but you can't?

user: I also seem then have trouble doing family time with my job demands. Yes. I seem to work 24/7 and can’t shut it off.

assistant: Ah that can be a problem. Is this causing problems or tensions within your relationships?

user: A little I feel stressed all the time.

assistant: I have experienced something similar. I found myself getting short tempered and taking things out on my loved ones.

user: Yes exactly I need help balancing it all out And saying no at work while still progressing in my career

assistant: Have you considered any kind of counselling to talk through these feelings? There are some organisations around that will offer help for free Perhaps honestly talking things through with your partner would really help you both too.

user: I don’t have time for thst Or feel that I don’t have time for it

assistant: I hear you saying that you are putting your work ahead of everything else in your life, is that correct?

user: Yes I do think with my partner would help. Yes that is correct but my job supports all the bills.

assistant: Nonetheless, there is no need to make it the entire focus of your life, especially if it is impacting on other aspects of it.

user: Yes but I guess I’m trying to find that balance and struggling

assistant: Do you feel that you have to hit unrealistic goals and meet unrealistic expectations?

user: Oh yes all the timr

assistant: I personally sometimes find it difficult not to be too hard on myself. Sometimes I have to remind myself to relax and have fun once in a while.

user: Yes I would agree with you there. It feels harder to escape and have a fun night right now

assistant: It has been a very hard year for everyone, I know and I sympathise. Can you think of one specific thing you'd really like to do that might cheer you up?

user: Get together with friends and explore a new restaurant Which isn’t possible yet

assistant: That sounds like a really fun thing to do! Can you plan one evening soon where you and your friends will do this and you will promise yourself that you won't cancel in favour of work?

user: The issue is I can’t with covid

assistant: Ah yes that is a big problem. Are restaurants closed where you are? What about getting together with just a couple of friends for a picnic?

user: I like that idea but it’s 30 here. Maybe something like that or a walk with some spiked drinks

assistant: I think that the important thing is to get out of the office and have some human contact. I do agree that it's a really miserable time of year for it though

user: Yes. Human contact and ideally in person would so help

assistant: I hope I have been able to give you a little perspective on your problems! Is there something else you'd like to talk to me about today?

user: I think you have helped step back. Sometimes when you are in the middle of it you can’t find a way out.

assistant: That is very true. Try and remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for talking and have a lovely rest of day!

user: Thank you. You too. I guess I should go try to be present with my family. Please enjoy your day