Welcome Fishykarp to the forums
I admire that are you are wanting to help your online friends. It takes courage to want to speak up and offer them support. Now I can speak from my point of view as someone who has depression and anxiety, that sometimes the best support is an open ear (or eyes to read what I have to say). For someone to show empathy and to maybe give some guidance. Now a lot of the time they just want reassurance and if appropriate reassuring them can be really helpful. For example, when I'm anxious I may want reassurance like 'should I go to this job interview for something I really want'. Now it may be common sense, if you want it go for it, but for someone anxious they may just need some reassurance about it. (sorry terrible example, but hope it brings the point across). Just someone wanting to be there and to listen is a huge thing for someone struggling with depression. They may feel worthless and useless and knowing someone wants to be there for them is huge.
Now one thing to remember is you are human. You are not a professional. Do not put too much pressure on yourself. You can be there for them, but you can't solve all their issues. You need to remember this, as a lot of people helping others tend to forget this and blame themselves if they can't help their friends/family.
Maybe even suggesting to them to go to the beyond blue website and to get more information. Maybe let them know you have been on the forums for help and support before and reassure them there is a place to talk out there with supportive people in a similar position (also it's confidential).
Hope this was helpful. You are doing amazing for just being there for them
(p.s sorry if there are typos, bit dyslexic and it is late so it tends to be a bit worse)
