[Eleny]

My friend attempted suicide and has just been discharged from hospital. There is still a worry that he may try again as he feels very hopeless. It has been extremely emotional for me and I’m really drained from it. We are travelling and he is currently alone in a hotel room until he gets things sorted which worries me. I have been visiting him in hospital and tonight we’ll go to the cinema as I want to keep him occupied. Tomorrow is my day off work and I said we’d do something but I am so exhausted I really feel I need to recharge. Today I was so overwhelmed I cried in work and couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing. I need to look after myself but I feel so guilty if I don’t do something with him tomorrow. I would love for someone to tell me it’s ok to put myself first. I feel so guilty and wrong for doing it.

[possum220]

You are allowed to put yourself first. It is emotionally draining all round. Does he have any other friends that may be able to have some input? It is not your job to baby sit. Ask him what he feels up to doing. Maybe he wants a lazy day too?

[Patagonia]

YES you need to put yourself first!!! Your first responsibility is to you & only you. Or you will lose yourself in the process.
You’re shouldering someone else’s responsibility, did they ask you to do that? Why do you feel responsible? And why do you not feel responsible for yourself?
You DESERVE a break, a rest, a claim to keep yourself well. No one will give that to you except yourself.
Enjoy a free night & tell yourself you’re worth it.

[MickeyCheeky]

The others are right. You need to take care of yourself as well. That doesn't mean you don't have to help your friend, but You won't be able to help anyway in this state... so recharge yourself first. Relax and take breaks

Put yourself first! By all means lend some help and support but it should come as no cost to your own physical and mental health. There are support services for caregivers, friends, and family - anyone who finds themselves in a position of being a support person. I recommend finding out about these and getting involved with one. In the meantime, call a crisis line. They will be just as supportive of you as they are the mentally ill.

Originally Posted by Eleny

My friend attempted suicide and has just been discharged from hospital. There is still a worry that he may try again as he feels very hopeless. It has been extremely emotional for me and I’m really drained from it. We are travelling and he is currently alone in a hotel room until he gets things sorted which worries me. I have been visiting him in hospital and tonight we’ll go to the cinema as I want to keep him occupied. Tomorrow is my day off work and I said we’d do something but I am so exhausted I really feel I need to recharge. Today I was so overwhelmed I cried in work and couldn’t concentrate on what I was doing. I need to look after myself but I feel so guilty if I don’t do something with him tomorrow. I would love for someone to tell me it’s ok to put myself first. I feel so guilty and wrong for doing it.

It's OK to take care of yourself just as it is OK for your friend to sort himself out.
But you need to make sure he's OK from time to time and give a cold plan for him to recover. A lazy day for your friend is a good idea as someone mentioned here.
Perhaps you can help him sort his mind out. When someone says that it means he have allot on his mental effort and what could aid him is for someone to be there for him and listen to what he needs sorted out