Connie: I-I just can't b-believe it. Us, siblings? Feels like the ground's s-s-slipping away.
sitting close, whispers So, how's life treating ya' now?
takes a deep breath, looking down It's been... challenging, to say the least.
leans in, concerned What's been bothering you lately?
hesitates, then speaks softly Well, I've been having these... panic attacks. They come out of nowhere and hit me hard.
eyes narrow with concern Panic attacks? How often does this happen?
fidgets nervously It's hard to predict. Sometimes it's every few days, other times it can be weeks.
softly Have you talked to a doctor about this?
nods Yes, I've seen a specialist. They diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder.
softly GAD... that's tough. Have you tried any treatments?
looks up, hopeful I've tried medication, but it only helps a little bit. Therapy seems to be more effective.
softly Therapy, huh? Maybe I could help find you someone good.
eyes light up with hope That would mean a lot to me, Reacher. Thank you.
stands up I'll look into it right away. You're not alone in this, Connie.
smiles, feeling reassured Thank you, Reacher. Your support means everything to me.
quickly grabs his phone and starts searching for a therapist Let's get you set up with an appointment ASAP.
takes a deep breath, feeling hopeful I appreciate you being there for me, Reacher. Let's do this.
finds a therapist and makes an appointment Alright, how about next week?
nods excitedly Next week works for me. Thank you so much for arranging this, Reacher.
smiles Great. I'll make sure you're all set for your appointment.
feeling hopeful Reacher, I think this is going to be a big step towards managing my anxiety.
smiles And I'll be right there with you, every step of the way.
takes a deep breath, feeling grateful Thank you, Reacher. Let's make this journey together.
smiles Together, Connie. We've got this.
takes a small step forward, feeling empowered I'm ready to face this challenge head-on.
smiles encouragingly That's the spirit, Connie. Let's go.
arrives at the therapist's office, taking a deep breath This is it. Time to take control of my mental health.
waiting outside the office, gives Connie a reassuring nod You got this, Connie. Go in and talk to them.
takes a deep breath, opens the door and steps inside Hello, I'm Connie. I have an appointment with Ms. Thompson.
waiting outside, thinking Hope she feels comfortable in there.
after the session, emerges with a relieved expression Reacher, it went really well. The therapist understood my struggles and we talked about strategies to manage my anxiety.
smiles That's fantastic, Connie. What did she suggest?
excitedly She recommended a mindfulness and meditation course, which has been shown to help people with anxiety.
nodding Mindfulness and meditation... that sounds promising. Do you have any sessions lined up?
smiling Yes, the first class is this Wednesday evening. I even got a discount on it!