A good friend of mine is suffering from depression. She is very withdrawn. She usually cancels plans and when I do see her is quiet and introverted. She is very negative about everything and can’t get enthusiast about anything.
She has recently decided to leave her husband, who is also a good friend of mine and my husband’s. We usually go on holiday and out as a four. I don’t quite know how to help them both and am struggling to navigate maintaining both friendships and being neutral.
This is an awful thing to admit but I am struggling to maintain my compassion and empathy for her , which I do feel very guilty about. I really want to help but sometimes can’t face seeing her as it is so draining - which is hard to admit , please don’t flame me too much. I am still making a lot of effort , contact her every day - but it feels like a duty. She isn’t interested in anything and the friendship feels very one way at the moment - invitations are usually refused , plans cancelled and conversation is hard work.
Can anyone advise me on how I can help her and be a supportive friend through this horrible time for her ? Please don’t be too hard on me , I have been completely honest on here but wouldn’t say any of this out loud to anyone!