Would you be concerned by this? (TW - self harm/SI)

[BiscuitRacoon]

My friend is currently struggling with her MH. She seems very low in mood, and anxious. She’s been withdrawing socially and finds it too difficult to leave the house - she says this is due to being ‘overwhelmed’. She’s on a waiting list for ASD assessment.

She’s divulged to me that’s she’s been self-harming, nothing serious just minor cuts. Said she gets overwhelmed with thoughts to cut. She’s not feeling suicidal but said she feels her sister would be happy if she were to die as they would be reunited (her sister died 5 years ago).

I’ve been trying to persuade her to get some help and see her GP. She doesn’t want to as she is worried they will want her to take medication. She has previously taken antidepressants, sertraline I think, but stopped a few months ago.

Her reason for not wanting medication is side effects and also her sister. She said she feels the spirit of her sister is with her, comforting her. She is worried that if she takes antidepressants she will lose the connection with her sister. She feels her sister is telling her not to take the medication. She said it’s not like hearing a voice, she knows her sister can’t talk to her as she’s dead but she feels a strong impression from her spirit not to take medication and when she listens to this impression she feels ‘at peace’.

Not sure where to go from here. How concerned do I need to be?

If you know the GP surgery she uses, you can contact them and say you are concerned for your friend and then explain as you have here.

The GP won't share any information bavk to you, but will accept your information for their records. It can then help when the doctor speaks to her.

Grief counselling?

If she suddenly stopped taking the medication this could be a side effect. Not a doctor but lots of experience (personally and through work) that she is in need of help asap. The fact that she's so connected to her sister could be signs she maybe hallucinating. Possibly in verge of a break.
Please if you can get her help. If she doesn't want meds she needs therapy. Asap! Cuts maybe minor but it may end up not being enough and she may cut deeper. Phone her doctor if you know it or phone the mental health nurse if you have one local and ask for advise or if they can help

She didn’t suddenly stop the medication, she’s not taken it for at least 3-4 months. I don’t think she’s hallucinating - she knows her sister can’t actually communicate with her.

Sending a message to her GP is good idea - but would she be upset if she found out?

Grief counselling? Do you think she could still be struggling with grief even though it was 5 years ago?

Of course you can grieve 5 years later! Have you never lost someone? She may not have dealt with her grief properly back then. I still heavily grieve for my dad 8 years on.