topic Best Friend struggling with depression and self medicating in Supporting family and friends

Best Friend struggling with depression and self medicating

emtay — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 23:11:48 GMT

Hi There,

I am relatively new to this forum. My best friend has severe anxiety/depression which has recently taken a very drastic turn as she has turned to alcohol to help through this period. She isn't aware that I know she is drinking as when her mum broached it with her she cut her off, however, I have caught her several times.

I am the only person that she feels she can talk to and she calls me 3-5 times a day crying and having panic attacks. I have managed to get her to the GP this week to get a referral to a psychiatrist, but I am not sure if there is anything else I can do. I check in with her and help her set small goals for the day and make sure she showers. When I see her I wash her face, brush her hair and make sure shes eating.

I feel an overwhelming responsibility for her and her phone calls are more recently leaving me in a state of distress to the point of being physically ill as I am so concerned about her wellbeing and I am scared if I miss a call something might happen.

I was just hoping to see if anyone else has been in a similar position or can help point me in the right direction for support materials? I would really appreciate any support.

Best Friend struggling with depression and self medicating

Neil_1 — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 04:31:57 GMT

Hi there Emtay

I’m sorry your post hasn’t been responded to till now, but I guess sometimes over the weekend, things can be a bit slow or not seen straight away.

By what you’ve described, you are a wonderful friend and support to your best friend, with all that you’ve currently been doing. That’s really awesome.

But yes, I can see how it could leave you feeling quite overwhelmed as well.

I hope by my responding, that there might be others who may come on and provide you with something better and more useful than I have been.

Kind regards,

Neil

Best Friend struggling with depression and self medicating

blondguy — Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:40:13 GMT

Hello Emtay

Welcome and thanks for being such a wonderful friend and carer too. You are a special person

I really feel for your best friend, she is having some chronic anxiety for sure. Can I ask if you were with her when the GP visit occurred?

I used to have acute anxiety which morphed into depression a few years later. The early years are bad news

Depending on the GP's opinion, medication will help your best friend start to navigate the long road to recovery. I am not being negative in any way but the anxiety can sometimes last a long time.

Your own health is paramount here as being as available as you are can also have a profound effect on your own well being.

There is a limit to how much you can actually do for her.

Super regular counseling is always a bonus so your friend can start to have some peace. Weekly is great and fortnightly as the least frequent (if possible of course)

my kind thoughts for you and your best friend

please be gentle to yourself Emtay

Paul