Hi, shutterbug11! Welcome! I think I'll always remember what a wise woman (a counselor) said to me one time when she and I were talking about a girl I was trying to be friends with. Mind you, this friend had no where near the number of problems the young lady you're talking about has. At any rate, I said to the counselor, "But (Sandra) needs help, and I want to help her."

The counselor responded, "Yes, (Sandra) needs help, but you aren't necessarily the one who needs to help her!"

From what you said, it sounds like your friend is indeed a "very troubled" person. You might be able to send her a card or let her know in some way that you haven't forgotten her, but it sounds like you have the potential of receiving harm from trying to be too close to her right now. She needs to continue to receive professional help.

I actually suggest that you ask someone you personally know and feel comfortable with this same question--perhaps an adult who also knows this person, you, and her situation. A person who knows you better would have a better idea, I think, of whether you can or should be someone who helps her.

I was just telling some of my friends here the very same type of thing. I want to help EVERYBODY, but sometimes I personally get too upset and caught up in people's problems, and it's not healthy for me. So, I have to just back away and let someone else help.

You sound like a very caring person. Let's hope that your friend will be able to get better soon, and perhaps you can have a healthier friendship with her.

That's just my opinion, of course. Somebody else here might have some other ideas for you.