I just have no energy and feel helpless about current events.
It was actually more personal than I expected it to be.
Very easy to talk to
No
How are you today?
assistant
Others
Feeling down.
user
null
I'm sorry to hear that, what's got you down?
assistant
Question
I live in a more rural area that has moved into our highest risk tier for Covid. They just seem to be making all the wrong choices amongst our local schools and other agencies.
user
null
I can relate to being in a rural area being hit right now. What are the wrong choices that they're making?
assistant
Self-disclosure
The middle school is still in person 100% of the time. There have been >30 cases, most in the last 3 weeks, and they keep sending letters home stating that they don't believe the kids are getting sick in school. It's infuriating. So, I get mad, then I get anxious, then I get down...
user
null,null
It's such a hard time right now, knowing what is the right thing to do. Does your district offer any virtual options?
assistant
Reflection of feelings
They do. It's a pretty poor one though. I'm looking at charter options right now. They only offer ELA, Math, Science, and SS through the public virtual option. The kid I'm concerned about is taking math 3 grades ahead and high school spanish. I do not think their program is in her best interest, so I'm focusing on the charter option, but it takes time :(
user
null,null
That's frustrating, obviously you want what's best for your kid and it's going to take time.
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
It does. Like you said, crazy time for everyone.
user
null
I think the important thing to remember is that we're all going through similar things. Which probably increases our anxiety because we don't have any good way to express our frustrations since everyone else is in the same or worse position.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
True, true. It does help to focus on how you can help, especially if you find people in worse positions.
user
null
While we're busy worrying about things like education and jobs, I like to look for the little messages of hope and empathy that we'[re seeing through all of this as well. It's a good teaching moment for our kids and showing how to collectively work to take care of one another.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I like that. I especially like the idea of involving the kids.
user
null
Just think of all of the ways our kids are learning to adapt to different life situations as well. That's worth just as much as their formal education. Your concerns are valid, and hopefully finding another safer school works out and this whole thing is over soon.
assistant
Self-disclosure
I have been trying to do projects at home I normally wouldn't to try to help everyone fill time. Things like creating websites, art projects, and such. Those skills will help tremendously.
user
null
That's a great idea, helping fill time with things to distract is a good way to relieve stress as well.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
So, I guess I'll just keep doing what I can and try to stay away from media and the state's tracking site. I had been doing this, but the announcement for the new tier came from the school!
user
null
What region are you in? We're midwest and watching the news is not the best way to lighten the day.
assistant
Question
Midwest. Not the worst place to be, although we supposedly hit some statistic that no other state has yet, so we may be heading that direction.
user
null
Well my suggestion is to turn off the news.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Consider it done, lol! I'm gonna log out now, but you did give me a couple points to consider that would be better than dwelling on the hopelessness. Stay safe where you are.
user
null,null