Hi!

Trying to understand how to help my friend who I have been in contact everyday and who is having several times the feeling of wanting to shut down and being on her own. She lives with her family, so at least is not alone.

In these periods, she feels like she has no grounding, like reality has kind of disappeared, she feels like she needs to shut down and just get through.

She doesn't really understand what is going and this is fairly recent (2-3 months). 

Does anyone know what this is? Is it only depression?

And can you advice on how to support from a distance? I can't really visit her, but I keep in touch daily (in a lighter way during these periods, I send a photo or a good morning message, things like that) and sometimes send a postcard or a little gift.

She told me I shouldn't feel I have to stay around but I reassured her that I don't feel forced to stay present. But of course I don't want to impose, only help. To me it feels she needs the gentle support and love from her family and friends.