I've received a series of messages from a friend who lives some distance away over the last couple of weeks. We have spoken briefly on the phone. I'm getting increasingly concerned about her wellbeing.
Essentially she's having some financial issues and is asking me for a loan. She is a very private person so for her to ask I can only assume things have gotten very bad. The loan is something I'm considering but know it would be unlikely to ever be paid back. I'm lucky enough to be able to pay all my bills but like most of us these days there's not much left afterwards.
Aside from the financial issues I'm very concerned about her mental heath - she sounds like she is at the end of her tether and I'm not sure what I can do to help from so far away. She is married and has young children but I don't think she's got much in the way of real life support from her partner or others. There doesn't seem to be many friends or family around to help.
So what can I do to help remotely... any ideas gratefully received. I feel very helpless and would prefer to channel this into some practical support but have no idea where to start. Thanks for reading.