People who have suffered with depression...

[Geneshish]

What can a friend who is far away do? I speak to my friend on messenger (shes not really up for a phoncall) and check in regularly. I'd like to send her something through the post that shows her I've put in a bit of effort and I'm thinking of her. Any ideas? Ideally something that might help her a bit.

It's lovely, and checking in regularly is a great thing to do. Not just 'how are you today' texts etc but general conversations and news and stuff as its nice to be distracted from the depression, albeit momentarily.
I don't know your friend, but for me funny/ silly things go down well. Or something which will stimulate the senses.

Avoid self help books or flowers I think. Depression is a part of my life rather than an illness like flu (at least that's how I think of it). My family knows it comes and goes for me.

Don’t say you understand how it feels.

Do say you imagine how it feels.

As PP says, general ‘check-ins’ are very much appreciated and means an awful lot.

Thankyou for showing initiative and caring xx

I asked my dh to look after the kids for me for a few days and flew out to see my friend after she started posting worrying stuff. She said it helped show her someone truly cares. I think gestures mean a lot - everyone ignored me when I had depression. It was very lonely.