Friend in need.. what do I do?

[SDF84]

Hi all, I've come here in hope of some suggestions. I myself suffer from depression so i know how crucial, getting help is..

I'm in Vic but have a Facebook friend in ACT that is in a really dark place. She has recently had a baby (9days ago), has 3 other children, one of which has Autism so childcare is almost impossible near her, single mum and the father of the older 3 was violent so she can't turn to him for help. She has no support and the social worker from the hospital hasn't returned calls. Her newborn is still in special care so she's making the journey to and from the hospital constantly and the taxi fares are getting tricky to handle. She's messaged me this morning telling me how unstable she feels...

What can she do? Is there anyone in ACT that know of a support group, volunteer group etc? She's on antidepressants already.

I don't know anyone in her area. Maybe I should call the hospitals mental health triage?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

[geoff]

hi SDF, I'm sorry for your friend and also sorry that you have been asked to help her, especially after suffering from depression, and maybe it's still hanging on.
I don't live in the ACT but hopefully someone who lives there may help you.
The other places to contact are SANE, REACHOUT Lifeline and BB, but this is only the beginning for your g/friend and I know taxi fares would be mounting up, but what I'm worried about is how she will be when her baby can go home with her.
Does she know that her doctor can put her on a mental health plan which entitles her to 10 free visits to see a psychologist, but she has to see her doctor first.
From what you have told us it's not going to be easy for her to cope, so does she have her mother around to help her, or someone else, because I'm afraid she may suffer from PND, although I'm not qualified to say, but if this does happen then it's important for her to see her doctor.
You need to take care of yourself, because if your own depression is still with you then you are going to be drawn into your g/friends problems, take care, but please let us know what's going on. Geoff.

[SDF84]

Hi Geoff, thank you so, so much for your reply. You've been so helpful! I'm so glad I came here to ask...

Her mother isnt very helpful unfortunately. Shes not very considerate or thoughtful I don't think..

She has no support at all 😞 she has a few friends there but all bar 1 have made any effort to help so far.

I'll give her the details you've provided, they will lead her on the right track at least.

Thank you, I'll be making a very conscious effort to be careful with myself. I'm an emotional sponge at the best of times so thank you so much for the reminder. I need that sometimes 😉

Wishing you loads of light Geoff.

Thanks again