To distance myself from this friend?

[missbipolar]

So I met my best friend in a psych ward, we talk nearly all the time and I care for her very deeply. However I'm finally in a ok place which has taken a very long time (over a year) and she's still struggling, refusing to take medication and engage with services. I totally understand how hard it is, but lately I've started to struggle, every few days I have to talk to her down from taking an overdose, or to stop self-harming, on several occasions I've had to phone the police/ambulance to get her help.

So wibu to take a step back in order to protect my own mental health?

YANBU, she will lean on someone else. Protect yourself first and foremost.

No, it wouldn't. Protect yourself. You've recognised you need to step back and put yourself first and that's a good thing. You're not responsible for her, harsh though that sounds.

no I don’t think you are being unreasonable at all…it sounds like you have a codependent and unhealthy friendship and I feel if you stay close then it is only going to take its toll on you and your mental health. I would try and take a step back… good luck with your recovery though it xxx

The trouble is I do sort of feel responsible for her, she has no family that speak to her, not really any other friends and no partner etc which is why all the support has sort of fallen to me, and I am worried that one day it'll go to far. We probably do have an unhealthy friendship at this point, but I do love her dearly and she's been there for me through some pretty awful stuff so I do feel bad stepping back but at the same time I know that I'm risking alot continuing.

You are not responsible for your friend, and if she does go on to do something drastic to herself, it is not your fault for not being there/intervening.