Emily

There is only one solution : Talk !

Talk,talk and don't stop talking ! This is only half the battle, the other half is Listen !

Listen,listen and then listen some more. Your friend is calling for help and needs someone to listen - not necessarily have answers to give but a shoulder to lean on.

Stay with her Emily and don't for one minute let her think you aren't there to listen - on the phone, ready at moments notice to sit for tea/coffee with them. It's going to take it's toll on you - make no doubt about that - but for what the friendship is worth on the other side of this, nothing can ever repay.

DON'T ring the helplines yourself - that is to destroy a trust, suggest it politely - but your friend must be the one to take that step. Seek advice yourself from them but don't give them her number for the same reason.

Somethings in Life Emily you may be able to help - and some you will not, this is one where an old adage is useful - when you were born - you were given two ears and one mouth - so you can listen twice as much as you speak.

Be there for her - let her talk,talk and talk - you just have to listen !

Diesel

PS - I do speak from experience