Hi struggling friend, I hope l can help as l have supported a husband with depression.
Can l enquire as to why you feel you are scared for your safety? Has your friend threatened you in any way?
When you care for someone with mental illness, it is important to build up your resilience as the bombardment of negativity can be overwhelming. What are you doing for you? For example, are you maintaining your other friends, exercising regularly, relaxing and spending time on your own doing something you enjoy? This all helps to relieve stress. Being resilient does not mean being impervious to stress, but it does mean adapting to and coping with stressful situations like yours. Being resilient is not an inherent quality. It can be acquired through learned behaviours, thoughts, and actions, and the best base to work from is acknowledging and honouring your feelings.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, can l suggest you see your local GP for a chat? It is often the case for many carers that in trying to help a loved one or friend, they too end up with depression or anxiety. You do not want this to be your fate.
The hardest part l find in supporting someone is realising and accepting that it's not about you. You can love and support them, but it ultimately their journey. You can gently recommend she see her GP or psychologist to discuss her suicidal thoughts, but they are not yours to fix.
We are available 24 hours, and we are here to help in anyway that we can. We also have web chat service available from 3pm-midnight 7 days a week, you can access this from our website - http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
Carmela
