Emotion: depression
Problem: ongoing depression
Situation: My turning another year older and still have nothing to show for my life, no friends or career. I'm undiagnosed autistic with mental health issues and I'm very alone and unsupported

assistant: Hello there.

user: Hello

assistant: Is there something you want to discuss?

user: yes My birthday's coming up and I feel a lot of self-hatred for what I've failed to accomplish by this age.

assistant: So it sounds like the birthday is a time for self-reflection, and you're not happy with where you are right now?

user: yea that's right. It's weighing heavy on my mind at the moment

assistant: Is this something you've felt on previous birthdays?

user: yes, the older I get the worse the feeling is. I didn't used to hate birthdays when I was younger

assistant: I'll confess I have felt the same way, especially with "milestone" birthdays (30, 40, 50, etc.). Do you think you are possibly expect too much in terms of achievements?

user: Yes, those are hard. My 30th was difficult. Society has so many wrong ideas of where people need to be, and it just doesn't apply to me. I'm so different from normal people. maybe, but being autistic, even average achievements are hard for me. I have to work so hard just to be average May I ask, how did you deal with your own birthday depression? Maybe I can learn from you

assistant: As I became older, i started to wonder what terms like "normal people" and being "average" really mean. Am I comparing myself to something that even exists?

user: That's what I've been thinking about too. It probably doesn't exist, but society would have us believe otherwise

assistant: That's so true. It's tough to deal with. But I will same, as I became older, I just stopped caring as much about what other's think. It just happened.

user: Yep, it sure is. I figure people stop caring that much when they get older

assistant: Also, I'm sure there are some things in life you are good at, even if those aren't what society seems to value.

user: I've already stopped caring what people younger than me think. They just seem so young to me yea, it's just hard when I struggle so much with employment. My issues really keep me from succeeding in jobs Sure, there are things I can do; but they don't seem to help me with anything important in life, if you know what I mean

assistant: Yeah, I hear you. Are you talking to others - such as professionals, etc. - about your autism?

user: I was forced into therapy as a young person. I think it put me off seeking professional help because I hated the experience. But I talk to other autistic people in support groups online Also, I'm sorry to cut this off but I need to go soon. I want to tell you you're quite compassionate and kind

assistant: Being "forced" to do anything is usually a turn off. But it's good to hear there are groups online to help.

user: I've enjoyed talking to you Yes indeed It's not a great experience unless you choose it

assistant: Oh, thanks. It's always nice to have a real conversation with someone.

user: For sure. May I ask if you're planning to become a counselor? I didn't know if this simulation is for people to get training for that type of wokr

assistant: I haven't planned on it, but I am looking for a career change. But no, this wasn't training for me. Not sure what this simulation is all about :)

user: Oh cool. I think this is a pretty interesting platform haha me too, but it seemed interesting

assistant: Yep. Oh well, hope this was worth while for you.

user: I came here the other day and never got matched with anyone so I left. Thanks, it was. And you seem really cool I guess we can wrap up since it's over 15 mins and they said we can stop after 15 i think

assistant: Thanks. Be sure to do something enjoyable on your birthday.

user: Thank you:) Hope you enjoy your day/night

assistant: OK. Do I just hit "Quit"? I forget.

user: I think we both have the finish button. So we can click any time. I'll exit now. See you:)