Depressed friend ghosting me- what to do?

[chippyteas]

One of my best friends is ghosting me. She has been ignoring my texts for months and months now and I initially thought it was due to me and her wanting to end our friendship which baffled me as we've always been very close. I finally managed to talk to her on the phone once a few months ago and it turns out she has been struggling with some health issues, seems very, very low as a result and apologised for not telling me as she's in a bad place mentally. I totally get it and completely understand.

I'm trying to work out how to best support her and have been sending supportive messages every 2 months or so with no pressure/ or expectation of a reply. I just want her to know I'm always here if she needs me, to go out for a coffee or just to talk, let her vent etc. However, as time is going on and I've heard nothing back from her, I'm wondering if I should continue trying to make contact or just leave it? I'm getting literally nothing back from her so no idea if I'm doing the right thing or not. This isn't about me- I can deal with her not being in contact whilst she works through this stuff but I suppose I'm wondering where I go from here. Would you keep on messaging or just leave it up to her to contact when she feels ready? I really care about her and want to help her but obviously, I can't if she doesn't want to talk to me. What would you do? thanks.

I'm honestly not sure, hence my post. At first, I thought it was me as she didnt explain what was going on so I assumed it was a problem with me (but I had no idea why as we haven't fallen out, ever). Then, she explained how low she was and apologised. So I keep on messaging assuming that it's her mental health.

However, the longer it goes on the more it "feels" personal, even though rationally I know this is how mental health affects people. That's why I don't want to increase messaging as it's hard to constantly contact someone with no reply at all because you simply don't know if you're coming across as an annoyance. I will continue for a while and maybe see how I feel by next year. I cannot do this indefinitely as I'm not sure what I'm really achieving but I like the idea of sending her a letter.

I'm currently suffering from PTSD and depression.
I think the fact she is reading your messages means she needs them and appreciates them.
When I have been really low it has only been receiving a random text from someone to say that they are thinking of me that has stopped me jumping off a bridge. I couldn't have written back to those texts and explained how much they meant to me. But equally to reply back something trivial wouldn't have been right either.
I'm lucky that I have never got to the point of not being able to text (I write for pleasure, and texting sometimes is the nearest I can get to writing) but at my illest I am physically not able to talk.
Personally I would keep on texting as often as you are able. Thank you for not giving up on your friend.

You’re welcome chippy

Like many other PP have said it means an awful lot to have friends not give up on you

And those in positions needing that are also not wanting our friends to damage their own mental health

We know not getting a reply can affect others - that’s where the guilt comes in - and why I posted re lessening contact rather than increasing because you need to also protect your own mental health

A card or letter is also a lovely idea because it’s a physical thing to hold - I have an amazing friend who sent me postcards & wee things (eg packet of wildflower seeds to scatter, key ring, photo etc)

These gave me a tangible item beyond any text & were like a little hug from her - long after they arrived iyswim?

Best of luck chippy & hoping your friend’s situation improves.