Things that helped you when depressed

[looseleaf]

Hi
I have a lovely friend who is having a bit of a breakdown and feeling suicidal. I've listened and empathised and tried to help but what can I do? I feel so worried she is in a dark place and know that advising not to dwell on certain things isn't really going to help as that has to come from her not me. She's on antidepressants now which is good and we're able to be very open with each other and close.

Should she chat to Samaritans? Her family aren't really able to help (it's complicated)

Omega 3 tablets - the really strong ones, 1300mg. You can get 60 for about a tenner from boots. Literally saved my life! I take them with the anti-depressants now but they are much better, and of course natural.

Walking in the country, touching trees, smelling soil. Hearing birds. The most simple of things, but made all the difference to me when I needed it because it was solid and real and not corrupted or distorted.

Tablets, proper psychiatric help from a trained professional, and lots and lots of support from friends and family. Good on you for being such a good friend - it's great that you're there for her.

If she is suicidal and not in hospital, IMO the best thing you can do for her is do everything in your power to get her to go straight back to the doctor ASAP and discuss the suicidality. Does whoever's responsible for her care know she is feeling suicidal? Usually this is the trigger for more intensive intervention. And either be with her yourself or arrange for someone to stay with her at all times.

Thank you so much. I think I need to do more and this is so helpful. I looked after her daughter yesterday so that she could go to the doctor again. But I can't stay with her all the time due to our own children. Maybe I'll offer to go over tonight just to be together as DH will babysit. I'll also see if she'll take omega 3 and try and get her some.

I never had any help when I was really bad with depression. In laws lived 5 mins away but didn't do anything. I don't have any parents.
I would have loved a few hours in my own without DS. Loved to have been able to go to Drs or hairdressers on my own. A massage or facial would have been nice. Someone to do some cleaning or tidying up would have made a difference. Having a casserole or lasagne bought in so that I didn't have to think about dinner.
You sound a lovely friend.

Thanks and Tabbycat I wish I had known and could have been your friend, depression can be so lonely :(
It's slightly tricky as I am overtired with our two (younger) children and DD is overtired but I rang again and did ask whether can take her DD tomorrow and I think you're right it would help as she sounded grateful . She's very very low as her voice was flat and I'm so worried :(

I think I'll find out about a massage too, great idea

I'm reading a book called The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert atm. I'd really recommend it to anyone suffering with anxiety or depression.

Colour. Sounds odd, but since I've worked through depression and self esteeem issues, I've become aware of how much colour lifts my mood.

probably one for a little way down the line, if she's feeling so depressed at present, but even just a bunch of tulips in a vase or a throw on the sofa can help.