A bit of a disaster... sort of... well, it didn't go the way I would have liked:

Met up with her at the reception of the mental health ward and walked round to the hospital cafe. Kept chat light and fluffy and bought us both a hot chocolate. Gently mentioned that I had something to talk to her about and that I wanted it to be within her own timing (as in last thing before she went back on the ward might not be great)... she asked me to talk there and then.

Explained that for the last couple of weeks I have been struggling with my own mental health and was part of the reason for slow communication (as mentioned earlier, I go into a sort of lock down state)... that I want to be supportive, but I'm finding it hard to support myself. She responded that she could not deal with that and needed frequent communication.

I suggested us finding some middle ground (at this point she was shaking), but she shook her head and said we should call it quits. I cautioned against a knee jerk reaction/cutting off nose to spite face... but I knew (didn't say it) it was her decision to make.

She stood up, gave me a hug and made to move away... as a parting message I said that I wouldn't block her on my phone and that once she was better, she was free to contact me to re-evaluate our friendship.

I felt (and still do) a bit numb coming home... not sure if I could have handled it in a better way... I do think talking to her face to face was fairer that cowering behind a text... but it was clearly draining for her and I just hope she does her own best self care and doesn't do anything daft.