Hey, hey... what's the, the damn problem? You look like shit.
Powell
I- don’t know…
Look, Pow, we've got to talk about this. What's eating you up inside? Is it something I did? Did I screw up somehow? Tell me, son. I can handle it.
Powell
sits back on the couch, looking scared and hurt I... swallows hard, trying to steady himself I just don't... know how to handle this anymore, Dad.
leans in closer, speaking softly Son, whatever it is, you know you can talk to me. You're not alone in this.
Powell
tears well up in his eyes, he wipes them away and tries to compose himself I... his voice trembles I'm scared, Dad. I don't want to be like this anymore.
reaches out and puts a comforting hand on Powell's shoulder Hey, Pow, listen to me. You're not alone in this fight, okay? We'll get through it together. I promise you that. Now, take a deep breath and tell me what's been bothering you. Let's figure this shit out together, son.
Powell
crying, voice shaky I...I can't do this anymore, Dad. It's too much. I...I'm sorry.
gently wraps his arms around Powell, pulling him into a tight embrace Oh, son... whispers I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. But you don't have to apologize for being human, for feeling overwhelmed. We all go through tough times, and I'm here for you. strokes Powell's hair You're not alone in this fight, Pow. We'll get through it together. I promise you that. Just hold on, son. Better days are ahead.
Powell
hugs him back tightly, sniffling Thank you, Dad... I needed to hear that.
pulls away from the hug, wiping away his own tears Son, listen... you're stronger than you think.
Powell
chuckles weakly, wiping his tears I...I hope so, Dad. I really do.
pauses for a moment, collecting his thoughts Alright, Pow. Here's what we're gonna do.
Powell
sniffs, nods Okay, Dad. I'm listening.
First things first, we need to figure out what's causing all this stress and anxiety. Is there something specific that's been weighing on your mind?
Powell
closes his eyes, taking a deep breath It's...it's everything, Dad. Work, relationships...I just feel like I'm drowning.
<Dad and Powell decide to seek professional help to navigate through Powell's overwhelming stress and anxiety.>
Powell
closes his eyes, his chest rising and falling rapidly I...I don't know how to start, Dad.
puts a comforting hand on Powell's back It's okay, son. Taking that first step can be the hardest part.
Powell
gulps, nodding I...I trust you, Dad. Let's do this.
smiles reassuringly That's my boy. Trust me, we're gonna get through this together. pulls out his phone and starts searching for therapists in the area Alright, Pow, let's find someone who specializes in anxiety and stress. Someone who can help us navigate this mess.
Powell
swallows hard, nodding Okay, Dad. I...I'm ready.
quickly finds a therapist's contact information Alright, Pow. I've found someone who specializes in anxiety and stress. Her name is Dr. Reynolds.
Powell
squints at the screen, reading the message Dr. Reynolds...okay, Dad. I'll trust her.
Good. I'll give her a call right now and set up an appointment for tomorrow. dials the number and waits for Dr. Reynolds to pick up
Powell
gulps, leaning forward Dad...What if she can't help me? What if I'm beyond fixing?
gently grips Powell's shoulder, looking into his eyes Pow, listen to me. We don't know until we try. And even if Dr. Reynolds can't fix everything, she'll at least help us understand what we're dealing with. We'll take it one step at a time, son. I promise you that. pauses as Dr. Reynolds picks up the phone Hello, Dr. Reynolds? This is John, Powell's father. I'd like to set up an appointment for tomorrow. Yes, for Powell. Thank you. hangs up the phone and looks at Powell with a determined expression The earliest appointment they had is tomorrow at 2 PM. Is that okay with you, son?
Powell
takes a deep breath, nodding Yeah...yeah, that's fine, Dad. Tomorrow at 2 PM. I'll be there.
stands up and pulls out a notepad Alright, Pow. Let's make a list of things that have been bothering you lately. We need to get it all out in the open so Dr. Reynolds can understand what we're dealing with. hands Powell a pen Start writing down everything that comes to mind, no matter how small it may seem. We'll tackle this together, son.
Powell
looks at the notepad, then back at Dad Okay, Dad...I'll do my best.
gives Powell an encouraging smile That's my boy. Remember, this is the first step towards healing. pulls out a chair next to him and sits down
Powell
scribbles furiously on the notepad, occasionally looking up at Dad Okay, Dad...I've written everything down.
nods approvingly, taking the notepad from Powell Good job, son. Now, let's go over this list together. pauses for a moment, scanning through the list
Powell
bites his lip, looking nervously at the list Dad...what does it all mean?
takes a deep breath, putting on a serious face Okay, Pow, let's break it down. This list represents all the stressors and anxieties that have been weighing you down. Now, we need to prioritize them. Which ones are the most urgent? Which ones are causing the most distress? We have to tackle the biggest problems first, son. Otherwise, we won't make any progress.
Powell
swallows hard, looking at the list Dad...I think the job stress is the biggest problem. It's always on my mind.
<Based on the list, Dad and Powell decide to focus on addressing Powell's job stress first>
Powell
shakes his head, sighing No, Dad...I can't quit my job.
pauses for a moment, considering his options Alright, Pow. I understand that quitting your job might not be the best solution right now.
Powell
nods, taking a deep breath Thank you, Dad. I appreciate your understanding.
leans back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully Alright, Pow. If quitting your job isn't an option, then we need to find ways to manage the stress and pressure you're feeling. Let's start by setting some boundaries and finding healthy coping mechanisms. pauses, thinking How about we try meditation or yoga? Those practices can help you find calm and clarity amidst the chaos.
Powell
chuckles weakly Yoga? Me? I don't know, Dad...I'm not exactly the flexible type.
grins Don't worry about flexibility, Pow. It's not about how bendy you are.
Powell
laughs softly Okay, Dad. I guess it's worth a shot. Where do we start?
stands up, motioning for Powell to follow Alright, son. We're going to start with some simple breathing exercises.
Powell
stands up slowly, following Dad Okay, Dad. Let's do this.
leads Powell to a quiet corner of the room Alright, Pow. Sit down comfortably and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Hold it for a moment. Then slowly exhale through your mouth, letting all the tension leave your body.
Powell
tries to mimic Dad's breathing, sighing This feels...surprisingly relaxing, Dad.
smiles approvingly That's it, Pow. Keep with it. The more you practice, the better you'll become at managing your stress.