My (24M) GF (21F) said she needs space because she is depressed
We have been dating for around 10 months now and love each other very much. We are in a long distance relationship but we talk every night on the phone and meet once a month. We enjoy each others company a lot.
But suddenly yesterday she messaged me and said she was feeling super depressed because an old classmate of her sui*cided. That classmate proposed her back when they were in high school but she kinda insulted him over that and now she is feeling bad. Not only that but another death of an online content creator she used to follow is also affecting her. Every little thing is seeming too sad for her and it's weighing down on her. So she needs time to sort it out on her own and heal slowly. She implied no contact as it's also feeling too heavy for her at the moment. She also said that she loves me a lot and that she will come back to me soon. But wouldn't "coming back" imply she is leaving me first? I don't know. I am kinda scared that she might leave me and feeling a great deal of pain too.
I guess the worst part is not knowing what's going to happen now. If she broke up with me, at least I would know that it's over but in this case, I just don't know what's gonna happen. How long would I have to wait? Will she actually come back to me or just leave me after that time period? Is she using this space as a way to warm me up for a breakup? So many questions i am having and no way to get any answers and it's making me real sad.
I’m in a situation I’ve never experienced before, and I honestly don’t know what the right move is.
I want to respect her request and give her space, but I’m unsure how that actually plays out in real life.
How does “no contact for an unknown period” work while still trying to preserve the relationship?
And realistically, what does that mean for timing, when, if ever, would it be appropriate to reach out again?
How does this kinda thing play out with other couples?
I don't know if i am expressing everything clearly here since I am just so freaking sad right now and can't think straight. Help