How do I help a depressed friend who lives far away?

Ringo-chan · #1 (**permalink**) 12-22-2008, 11:48 PM

My friend who lives in another city emailed me yesterday to say that she is getting treated for her depression. I know that she has been going through a rough time - with health problems, relationship issues, stress, etc - but didn't realize that it has gotten so bad. I want to help her, but I don't really know how. Most online resources talk about inviting your friend to do something or helping her with day-to-day chores. But because we live in totally different cities, it's impossible for me to do those things. Does anyone have suggestions on what I can do to help her?Thanks!

an_articulate_soul · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008, 11:28 AM

a simple phone call can work wonders...remain positive and upbeat

The Complete Idiot · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2008, 07:48 PM

make sure she's taking purified fish oil daily. calcium-magnesium is smart, also. high-quality multivitamins every day for a few months, too. yoga, t'ai chi, vigorous cardio, sunlight.

Odessa R · #4 (**permalink**) 12-28-2008, 01:13 PM

call her up ..send a small bouquet of flowers !!

YeaYeaYea · #5 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 06:29 AM

One word, Strip-o-gram!!!

Meestahtim · #6 (**permalink**) 01-10-2009, 08:10 AM

Ask her how you can help her. There's a very good chance she doesn't want your help.I've been through depression a few times, and it's a clinical disease. It requires treatment by a physician. There is nothing anyone could have done for me during my bouts with depression htat would have helped. In fact, the more they tried, the more I saw through it as someone feeling sorry for me, and it mad me angry on top of depressed.Best bet is to tell your friend that if there is anything you can do for her, you're there. And tell her flat out you want to help, but you don't want to crowd her or dominate the situation. Be supportive and keep space at the same time. Absolutely the only way you can help.

little mac · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2009, 04:25 PM

Send her gifts to so she still rembers she is being loved some where and send her cards and try to talk to her every day so she doesn't do anything she regrets. She will never forget how you pulled her through all of her deppresion and she will always thank you so both of you are always happy