I am finding the second lockdown intensely difficult to deal with, even worse than the first.
There is a bit of a timelag between responses
It seems a little glitchy on firefox
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Hello there, would you be able to give me some advice? The first lockdown was bad enough but the second has really thrown me into despair. I simply cannot cope without being able to see friends and family for much longer.
user
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I would be glad to. What is troubling you?
assistant
Question
I have run out of coping mechanisms!
user
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I completely understand and had similar experiences. What were some ways you tried to interact with people last shut down?
assistant
Question
I use facebook quite a lot and it helps but it cannot compensate for face to face contact. I really need to be able to see people.
user
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Digital contact does have its limitations. Could you meet with people outside at a distance?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Well, part of the problem with that is that I am not sure what the rules are any more! We have been told so many different things that I am out of the loop.
user
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I understand. Try sticking to the basics to make it less stressful. Wear a mask outside at a distance.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I always do wear a mask.. I think we legally have to :). I really miss little things like going out for coffee or to the gym though. It makes me feel like will never be the same again.
user
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Have to talked about this with friends? They may be feeling the same way. Just talking this out with the may be reassuring.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
I have a little bit but I don't want to burden them. The other aspect is that it is making me anxious about many others things too. I keep having morbid thoughts about what will happen if the pandemic never ends.
user
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That’s understandable. Maybe talking to a professional who you don’t have to worry about burdening with your concerns will allow you to talk about your concerns.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
That's why I'm here ;). You are being very helpful, thank you! It's just nice to be able to tell people what I am worried about and not have them think that I am just being silly.
user
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Many people are struggling with the current state of affairs. Don’t be afraid to talk to people they may also be afraid to talk to people and you could miss out on supporting each other.
assistant
Reflection of feelings
That does sound like really good advice. The other thing I haven't mentioned yet is that I have been having financial pressures because I am on furlough. I am worried that if this lasts much longer I will end up deep in debt.
user
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I am sorry that wasn’t helpful. Have you tried looking into local recourses in your city?
assistant
Others,Question
I felt that you were very helpful. It is nice to just know that someone is listening. I do not think that there is much in the way of local resources at the moment - everyone is very stretched.
user
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That is true it has been hard for many people.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I do feel better for having been able to talk to you about this - thank you very much! I think I will be able to carry on for a bit now. Thanks again and best wishes!
user
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