But then I reflected on my friend's request and realised that dismissing it was not only a cop-out, but a missed opportunity to increase the dialogue about something that genuinely mattered (in contrast to what I often write about, which genuinely doesn't).
I then thought long and hard about my friend's significant and ongoing battle with mental health and realised that while I have always considered myself supportive of her, what good was that support if I didn't give it when I was asked?
And so today, I'm writing this for her. And for the one-in-five people in New Zealand who battle - often unseen and unsupported - to overcome mental health issues big and small but in all instances difficult.
There has been a huge amount of publicity in recent years about removing the stigma around mental health and a few brave, high-profile individuals have stepped up to tell their story and put a face to what is a widespread but often invisible illness.
But on a day-to-day basis, I still don't believe it is socially or professionally acceptable to put your hand up and admit to any sort of mental health issue in the same way you might to a physical condition.
While our bodies can fail us, our minds are expected to remain in our full control, even though genetics or experiences often make this impossible.
Although I don't remember it, my father spent his entire adult life fighting the messages his brain generated; feelings of failure, worthlessness and pointlessness.
After years of failed attempts (and treatments), he took his life when I was 10 months old and left my mother on her own with three children.
Understandably, she finds this unforgivably selfish. And I can understand her perspective.
But having inherited a dash of the black dog along with my father's more desirable genes (he was a journalist himself), I can relate to how it feels sometimes to be unable to smile on the inside even when life on the outside gives you every reason to.
For me, the "fake it till you make it" approach makes for a relatively easy fix, and thanks to an ability to get lost (and found) in my work, my dark days have led to some of my greatest professional successes.
The reality for many others, though, is that mental ill health strips them of potential and denies them the joys in life that others take for granted.
Having to endure this in secret and shame makes it so much worse.
So, during what's left of Mental Health Awareness week, why not pull back the curtain and share your story?
Eva Bradley is a columnist and photographer.
