Covid 19 stress with the added stress of the holduas
the sounds it plays are very loud
quieter sounds
hello?
user
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hello, how can I help you?
assistant
Question
I'm seeking some support. Specifically looking for advice concerning my depression
user
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How long have you known you have depression?
assistant
Question
I've struggled with depression my entire life. It's been especially difficult this year
user
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Because of Covid? So you know at least the cause of your depression?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
Yes, because of Covid. I have two small children both born with genetic disorders. If they catch it they could die. They're both now displaying signs of anxiety and that's worsening my depression because there is very little I can do about it.
user
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That must have been tough for you. I know Covid is scary, however, I think you're a very careful parent so as long as you keep the routine safe, you can at least not worry too much about it
assistant
Reflection of feelings
I'm doing my best, as is my husband, but with the holdays here we're struggling to explain our decision not to visit family because we want the children to be safe. Our family is a combination of Covid Hoaxers and antimaskers sadly.
user
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Now is not the time to please your family or anyone else. You did the right and responsible thing for refusing to visit them. May I ask how old your children are?
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance,Question
Thank you for agreeing with me. They are nine and four.
user
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they might have been scared because of external forces, as in they might see you being stressed out. I think it's good to talk to them about the seriousness of Covid, but also explain them it's not unpreventable. By discussing, you can reassure yourself too
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
Maybe. I'll have to give them a few days as my mother is very self centered and we just got into it last night, but I might give that a try
user
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I think you can also cut down on watching news, when it first began, I followed the news closely, however, I realized I felt depressed hearing new number everyday so I only update myself once a week now and I feel bette
assistant
Self-disclosure
That's good to hear, maybe I should do that.
user
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Having a family meeting with your husband and children as much as possible to share your feelings might also help quite a bit
assistant
Others
I'm not so sure. My husband's anxiety is worse than mine and I carry the mental load for the entire family. He's usually happier staying in the dark, otherwise it's too difficult to lift him up when he's depressed if I'm also depressed.
user
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Then do as you think is best for your husband. I'd say focus the work on yourself first, you need to feel good in other to take care of your family
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
That is true. Thank you for the advice
user
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