I have been feeling down and depressed every day for months, mainly due to self-esteem issues.
N/A
N/A
Hello there, how are you feeling today?
assistant
Question
I'm feeling pretty awful... I've been down and depressed for months now. It's hard to get through the days.
user
null
I understand. Is this related to the pandemic or is it something separate? I am sure that the pandemic has not helped, though!
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
It's definitely related! I lost my dream job, went to a lower paying one, and I gained a lot of weight while working from home.
user
null
Oh I can certainly relate to that one! I've gained a stone and a half in the last year. All this sitting around is not good for us!
assistant
Self-disclosure
It's definitely nice to know that other people are having similar emotions as me.
user
null
Sometimes just having someone to talk to who knows how you are feeling can be really helpful I think.
assistant
Others
It's sad that this year has been so awful. It's hard to convince myself that it's getting better any time soon..
user
null
Can you make a list of all the things that you hope will be better next year so you can tick them off one by one?
assistant
Providing Suggestions
1. Better job 2. Healthier habits 3. Better financial situation
user
null
Well, the first and third one are out of your control really but you could make a start on the first one today if you liked :)
assistant
Providing Suggestions
It's hard to take the first steps. I don't even know where to begin, sadly.
user
null
I can understand that. Perhaps you could join an exercise class or similar?
assistant
Others
That's a pretty good idea. Have you ever done something like that?
user
null
I took an aerobics class once. It was quite fun and it was good exercise.
assistant
Self-disclosure
That does sound like fun. Do you have any other suggestions?
user
null
Well, it's maybe not the best time to be taking on a financial commitment but have you ever considered adopting a dog? Good company and good exercise
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Actually, I have a cat!
user
null
Ah I have two - they are wonderful company. Alas you can't really walk with them though :)
assistant
Self-disclosure
They are great company. Sometimes when I am really feeling down, I remember that my cat needs me, so I need to stay strong.
user
null
Pets are great like that. Do you perhaps have a neighbour whose dog you could walk if you can't get one of your own?
assistant
Others
That's a great idea. I just moved into a new apartment complex a couple weeks ago. Maybe I can get to know my neighbors. A lot of them have dogs.
user
null
It's a great way to make new friends too! Would you consider doing some voluntary work whilst you are out of work?
assistant
Others,Providing Suggestions
That's also a good idea. I know a lot of food banks around me are in need of volunteers.
user
null
I think it would be a really worthwhile thing to do and you would get to meet new people too I hope I have been able to help you a little!
assistant
Others,Others
I agree. I feel like I have a bunch of new ideas to start feeling better. I appreciate you talking to me.
user
null