My sister was hospitalized for 2 weeks a month ago, and is still severely depressed. She lives all alone, has no close friends, lost her job and is unlikely to get another one any time soon. She lives across the country from me (her sister), and the rest of her family (brother and his family, and perhaps another brother). We would like her to come home for at least a month or two. I have had depression before, and she very much likes to talk with me on the phone (to cling to me, she says) and has said she appreciates my patience. (On the other hand, she is not entirely comfortable with coming home because she is afraid we'll depress each other, although my depression was 10 years ago. I live alone too.)

Is it a good idea to strongly encourage her to come home? She is not going to motivate herself to do this without a lot of strong encouragement. Should we take it easy, waiting until she expresses more enthusiasm herself? Or is moving to be with someone (family) something that is very important and should be done reasonably quickly (how quickly?) despite difficulties? She moves and thinks very slowly and unhappily, her mind is "fudge" as she says. Will we stress her out more by helping her over the phone to do what is needed, or is it worth it?

Having someone fly over to help her is a possibility, but might cause more stress all around.

We do need to consider her medical and medication needs too, but that is a further topic.