The current economic downturn has me worried for the future.
No
I wish I could turn the alert sound off
Hello, how can I help you this evening?
assistant
Question
I am really worried about the future.
user
null
That's a very understandable worry to have, and I'm sorry you're dealing with that right now.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
The pandemic and economic downturn keep me up at night.
user
null
Is there a specific path or event in the future that you are worried about?
assistant
Question
Yes, how the pandemic will play out mostly.
user
null
Things are very uncertain these days. I certainly have never experienced anything like it.
assistant
Reflection of feelings
I guess we are all in the same boat
user
null
Personally, I have tried to lessen my anxiety by limiting my intake of news and social media. No matter what one might believe, there's always someone out there that's apparently going to take it to an extreme, and reading over and over about that is emotionally exhausting.
assistant
Self-disclosure
I think that definitely plays into it. I want to be informed, but not diluged.
user
null
Or constantly terrified. We can't control the world, or even another person really, but we can control ourselves.
assistant
Reflection of feelings,Providing Suggestions
How do you comfort yourself that it's not that bad?
user
null
Well, I don't try to deny the seriousness of the situation at all. But I do try to keep myself and my family healthy, physically and mentally, and maintain my close friendships via text/video.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Thanks for your insights. It is helpful to talk it out.
user
null
And I schedule my day, even though I'm working and going to school from home. I schedule breaks to go out and enjoy the fresh air, dance like an idiot to some music, play with my dogs, or whatever is refreshing.
assistant
Self-disclosure
Now is the time to focus and be disciplined. I will take your advice.
user
null,null
A routine has been really really helpful. I also make sure to get plenty of sunshine. As the winter comes in, we have shorter days and it feels suffocating.
assistant
Others
Yes, the short days are a major depressant I feel like those around me dont understand my anxiety
user
null,null
That must be frustrating. I've learned there are just some people I can't trust with my vulnerabilities.
assistant
Reflection of feelings
I may overtrust
user
null
But again, you cannot control how they react, you can only control yourself. And that's not to say you can turn off your emotions or anything, but once you let go of the idea that you can control someone else to your liking, you will feel better. Less out of control. Because that's a lot of what is disturbing about the pandemic. We have zero control over it.
assistant
Reflection of feelings
You're good at this. Thanks for your support. Ending chat when timer allows.
user
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