How do we help a depressed friend?

[smokeybacon]

Hi all.

I have a friend who has just been admitted to hospital (mental health ward we think) for third time in 8 months with depression. She is part of a group of friends of 8 or 9 mums who all live close by to her and with DCs of similar age to hers.

We have done what we can to support her and her family but with this latest admission, I am scared and worried for her. We do not yet and may not ever know what has prompted this latest one although we could see that she was not well in recent weeks. With previous admissions we have visited , made meals for her DH and DC, looked after her DC when we can. All good on a practical leverl, I suppose but what I really want to know is what do we do - if is there anything we can do - on an emotional level? I hope she is getting something from the professionals now she is in hospital, but when I have visited before I never knew whether to chat as though we were having coffee out or whether to ask more about her illness.

Obviously everyone is different and I can't expect someone to give me a checklist, but some advice on how we can help would be lovely.We just want to do what we can to help.

Thanks for reading,

Bumping

Sorry I don't have any experience of mh admissions but your friend has a really good friend in you . I'm sure others with some experience will come along tomorrow.

You sound like a lovely friend.

Yes you do sound like a goodun'!
I'd say don't overpromise and underdeliver and be as constant as you are able. Having friends who don't back away when you're faced with mental illness is one of the greatest gifts.
In terms of what to talk to her about-you could ask her what she feels it is helpful to talk about and take her lead.