What do you do with someone that is very obviously having a mental break down, is in a very bad place right now, has admitted to having suicidal thoughts, but will not return your calls and is staying away from home so we can not wait for her there ?

Call your local hospital or mental health care centre for advice. My SIL had a near breakdown as a result of PND and my brother called their local public hospital. He was put in touch with the mental health service and they offered him the option of either bringing her into hospital that night or they would see her the next day. She was asleep that night but so he opted for the second option. The mental health team visited her in their own home the next day and got her referred to a psychiatrist who helped her immensely. I hope your friend is okay but call your local hospital for some advice. If she is truly suicidal they can detain her under the Mental Health Act for up to 3 days (I think this is the time frame) to assess her. Good luck

Go home and call the police to do a welfare check. Or sit and wait, they have to come home eventually.

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Oh Jen, I wish I had some answers for you. Just want you to know that I am sending love, light and strength to you and your friend.

I am here if you need me.

Thank you very muchly everyone. I have had a txt message this morning (first contact since i saw her Saturday) very short and sweet letting me know she had taken herself to hospital late yesterday afternoon/last night and is still there.

I would ring your local crisis team (CATT). They run 24/7 with professionals who can help her.

Depending on the State you are in the number should be in the front of the phone book or ring the local public hospital.

I am sorry that someone in your life is going through such a dark time. It is a relief to read that she has taken herself to get some help. I hope that she can get the help she needs, and in time, will look at things differently. It will take her time, months, maybe years, but with the right help, let her know she can beat it, and most of all, just be there for her.

It is heart-breaking when you are at that stage and you have people in your life turn their back on you because they either don't believe in depression or they don't know what to do.

You sound like a very caring and concerned friend, and she is lucky to have you.