How do I help a friend in need?

[Whitepink59]

Hi, I am new to this forum. Thanks for having me here.

 My friend is suffering from severe depression.  He attempted suicide recently and is now in lockdown in a clinic. I want to help, but don't have much experience with this kind of thing.  We are relatively new friends. I visited him this week and have been sending him messages by SMS most days in order to check and stay connected.  I asked him what I can do to help. Once they give him a leave pass from the clinic, we are planning to start training in the local park and the local gym.

 what else can or should I do? 

I don't want to crowd him, or patronise him.

I know everyone is different, but I would appreciate any suggestions about what more I could do.

[Zeal]

Hi Whitepink,

Welcome to the forum; it's good to have you here 🙂

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, but I'm glad that he is getting the full care he needs. In my opinion, you are doing all the right things to support your friend. Getting messages of support during the day when away from friends and family is a great comfort.

The training sounds good, as exercise can help with depression. Make sure he doesn't push himself too much though.  As you are fairly new friends, what you are already doing is great. Keep being there for him, by sending kind messages and visiting him every so often, when the time suits him and his doctors. If he likes reading, you could ask him if there are any books you can bring him from the library. Reading is a great way to mentally escape for a while, and will keep his mind working.

You could bring him some food he likes, as hospital/clinic food can make people miss their favourite things. Check that the clinic allows this though. I can't think of anything particularly ground breaking - hopefully someone else will post with some more ideas.

I hope your friend is on the road to recovery 🙂

Best wishes,

SM