I’ll never recover from my friend’s overdose and feel guilty that I wasn’t there for her

DEAR DEIDRE: MY friend died after taking an overdose and I didn’t see it coming.

We had plans to meet a few weeks before she died, but I cancelled.

At the time she reassured me and told me not to worry.

I was going to call her later to rearrange but didn’t get round to it until a few hours after she overdosed, which was devastating.

I am a 32-year-old man, and my friend was 30.

We had known one another since university and had always kept in touch.

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She suffered from bipolar in recent years and had substance misuse issues.

I feel overwhelmed with guilt that I wasn’t there for her when she needed me most.

I can’t help but think that if we had met, things would have turned out differently and she would still be here.

I miss my friend and I don’t think I will ever recover.

DEIDRE SAYS: I am sorry your friend died. Guilt is a normal grief emotion.

This was a tragedy but whatever led to her feeling that life wasn’t worth living, it was in no way your fault.

You weren’t to know what she had in mind that day. You will never forget what happened but, with help, you can move on.

Find support through SOS Silence of Suicide (, 0808 115 1505) which offers understanding.

My support pack Feeling Guilty? will also help you.

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