Need to be there for my sister

[Heartsandspades]

I hope I don't offend anyone by asking for your help. But a couple of days ago my sister was taken to hospital after taking an overdose. She has told us she has been suffering anxiety and depression for a long time, she said she has felt ashamed and like nobody would understand.
She said it all became to much to deal with alone and that is why she did what she did.
I want be there for her and will do anything I can do to help her, but I don't know where to start. I have tried researching anxiety and depression and although I understand a bit more about it, I want to know how she is feeling,what she needs from her family and how to make her better.
I am hoping somebody is able to give me some help and maybe some positive outcomes from similar situations.
I am so upset for her and feel awful she has had to deal with this alone for so long.

[Heartsandspades]

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[blossommy]

Hello - Im so sorry your family and sister are going through this.
I do have some experience of depression and anxiety and the thing that can push people over the edge is that feeling of shame about it. (Whereas with a physical illness people feel able to share their experiences and worries, and ask for support.)
So I would tell her that you really want to help and be there for her. (Its lovely that you've been researching things.)
Re what you can do to help - I think I would just ask her (in the same way you would with any other illness.)
You could also offer to go along to any appointments with her.
You sound like a lovely sister.

[LastingLight]

Tell her that you've been reading up and you now understand that depression and anxiety is an illness, just like cancer or diabetes, and that it can be treated. If you are matter of fact about it she will feel less ashamed. Is she getting therapy?

How you help her depends on her circumstances and yours. Some suggestions:

• Help with dc's if she has any
  
• Encourage her to exercise, maybe go for a walk with her a couple of times a week
  
• Help her shop for nutritious food with which she can prepare quick and easy meals
  
• Clean her house or do her laundry
  
• Make sure she goes to appointments with her doctor and therapist
  
• Don't put pressure on her to be social but gently encourage her to spend time with friends
  
• Draw up a contract with her that she won't attempt suicide again without talking to you first, actually write this down and sign it
  
• Find out how she can get help in an emergency if she is experiencing a crisis
  
• If she's having trouble getting up and going to work in the mornings, call her every morning and talk her through what she needs to do

[Heartsandspades]

Thank you for your replies. I visited the doctor with her and agreed that I would be her 'first contact'. The doctor was great and explained all her treatment and medication, and small steps she can take to help herself.

I liked the idea of a contract and we have done that, we wrote it together and signed it. I have told her I will be there for her whenever she needs me and told her when she is struggling to call and we will go through it together as suggested.

I really hope she is going to be ok. Thanks again for your help.