How can friends be helpful when you feel unwell?

Hey @Yipoet ,

Good on you for reaching out and being such an incredible support to your friend.

I read you are very worried about your friend, which is understandable.

I hear she is not wanting help. However, it may be possible to link her into some services such as SANE's Guided Service? https://www.sane.org/referral

Otherwise, SANE has a Drop-in line whereby she was have a web chat or phone in on 1800 187 263. Sometimes, it may be confronting having to get out of the house to speak to someone. Some people prefer webchats.

Whatever it is, I'd encourage you to continue providing her alternative services.

At the same time, it is important you take care of your own wellbeing.

Hi @Yipoet

You are such a good friend and caring person - bless you for that - it's wonderful.

However - it is really hard to help a person who doesn't want - or says she doesn't want - help. What could anyone living far away do? That is a hard question to answer.

First - you have a young baby to care for and that is your first responsibility. Also - you must care for yourself - no one can help another person if they are not maintaining their own health and boundaries - and I know - it's really hard because you obviously care a lot. Your friend is very lucky to have you.

Your plans to be in contact with her every day and even have food delivered to her are really good - and also - keeping some distance so she doesn't feel overwhelmed.

And then you try again on Monday to get her to reach out for help - and I really hope she does listen.

There's not really anything else you can do - she has cut herself off from other people so yes - you want to protect your friendship - I really understand that.

Still - it's very much up to her. It remains true that some people don't want help. Maybe they are afraid of what might happen if they do end up in hospital - that can stop people from seeking help. Some people don't like being told what to do - I certainly don't - but then I am caring for myself and apparently - she is not - that is a real worry for you.

You must also make sure you don't let all of this become too much for you - for some help you can always ring Life-Line - they will listen and have some suggestions for you. It will help you to share your thoughts with someone else - I find this helpful now and again, the phone number is 13 11 14. It's completely confidential.

All the best and please keep in touch.

Owlunar

Dear Owlunar

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this thoughtful, caring and specific response. I really appreciated it during a time of high stress. Your work on this forum helps so many people at a time when they feel lonely and at their wits' end - thank you for your hard work.

Hi @Owlunar , I believe the post above was for you.

Hi @Yipoet , welcome to the forums! Just a little hint, you can type "@" in front of a members name so they receive a notification your post.

See you around 🙂

Thanks for your comment @Yipoet

I appreciate this more than I can say.

In spite of the challenges in my life I have been able to overcome things I would not have thought possible - I have sought help and been very fortunate in what I have received.

My writing here is my way of paying it back -

Again - many thanks and all the best yourself.

Owlunar

Thanks for the heads up @tyme

I am very happy to have seen that post - it means a lot to me

Owlunar