Depression

Hey everyone, I'm currently living in france for a year as part of my degree. One of my best friends is coming to stay with me for december and I can't wait!

However, she has suffered from depression for many years and I was hoping that people could give me some advice on how she might be feeling, how to support her and how to help her get the most out of her time here.

She isn't currently working or studying, and has never lived away from home. I know she would like to move out as her family can often be insensitive, and this is something of a trial run, seeing if she can live with friends.

She usually feels better when we return from uni for holidays but I think she feels lonely when we go away. I think this month away will be good for her, she seems very excited but I know she is a little nervous as well.

She normally sees her therapist, psych nurse, and community support person regularly but they all support her coming here and have given her advice, also she can phone them while she is here and I have also found the number for an english speaking helpline (a branch of samaritans) in france if need be.

I want her to feel at home, I've cleared out space in my wardrobe and cupboards and prepared the spare bed. All my friends here are looking forward to meeting her and we have lots of things planned like surf lessons, meals at restaurants, day trips etc, but we'll also have quiet days and I work 3 days a week so she will have some time to relax and just read a book or watch a dvd.

Could you guys with experience of depression give me some advice on anything else I could do to make this experience positive and to make things as easy as possible?

Thanks

A Friend xx

Hi!
Well - your friend may be almost gone - but in case anybody else comes along to get some direction about this issue:
I think that it is nice to have some routine in a long visit. Though adventure is great when you are on vacation, I know that I prefer to have something going on on a daily basis that is a "known factor", such as a daily walk with your guest (exercise is a very good thing to ward off depression) in the morning or having dinner together like clockwork at 6 PM.
Another thing that is nice to know: sometimes people without depression try to fix us when what we need is a shoulder to cry on and somebody to listen. If a depressed friend talks about an issue with you, you may need to just listen and say "I am here for you."
Best of luck in all things,
CarolG