How can I be supportive?

Pray always. Give some time. Meanwhile, maybe focus on others who are in need of your support, waiting for some help and willing to respond.

I know nothing about your situation, aside from what you have just described. Please forgive me for providing you information you already know. I AM NOT A TRAINED PSYCHOLOGIST, ONLY A RESEARCHER.

Empathy and compassion are key in any healthy relationship, but NEVER to the point of enabling (1 Corinthians 13:1-13 [Exodus 20:1-17 + Romans 13:8-10], Galatians 5:13-26, Luke 10:25-37, Mark 12:28-34, Matthew 22:34-40), (Luke 17: 1-4, Matthew 18:15-20, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 4:1-5).[1][2]

Research the disorder to provide yourself a better understanding of what you are dealing with, and how to help. Ignorance leads to much suffering, especially with mental health situations. The best ones are .edu and .gov websites, as well as credible medical websites. I recommend using Media Bias [dot] com to help find credible, pro-science websites. ALWAYS FACT CHECK WITH AT LEAST TWO OR THREE DIFFERENT SOURCES!!! ((Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:15-20), 1 John 4:1-6, Proverbs 1:1-7, 16:16-25, 18:15, 24:5, 2 Timothy 4:1-5).[3][4]

Be a good listener, but keep it Christ-like (James 1:19-27). Be willing to teach him skills that will genuinely benefit him, if he is willing (Proverbs 16:16, 16:20-21, 16:23, 22:29).[6][7]

If he is not responding, please give him space, and find a reasonable time frame to touch base. Respect the boundaries he sets up, unless either of you are under threat of harm.[5][6] Again, do not enable.[1][2] If needed, call 911 should any lives be at risk. Use common sense.

Pray for him ALWAYS (Ephesians 6:18-20, Luke 18:1-8, Matthew 6:5-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). God will never leave us nor forsake us, and only intends our greatest good (Deuteronomy 31:6, Jeremiah 29:11).

If needed, seek help and assistance from others. Remember, you are a flawed human being who is predisposed towards selfishness. There are things you are simply not equipped to properly handle, and will require assistance from those who know more. Likewise, there are contributions you can make that can help the situation (1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Genesis 2:18, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Proverbs 16:18).[7][9]

If he refuses to accept help, then know when to walk away. You cannot help everyone, let alone those not willing to receive any. We all have free will (Mark 6:1-6, Matthew 7:6, 10:11-16).[7][8]

I hope this helps. God bless!

1. What is ENABLING? definition of ENABLING (Psychology Dictionary)
   
2. Enabler: Definition, Behavior, Psychology, Recognizing One, More
3. https://subjectguides.library.american.edu/News-Literacy
4. Bristol Community College Library Learning Commons: Misinformation/Disinformation: How to Determine the Reliability of Sources: Fact Checking Websites
5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/.../why-is-it-important-have-personal-boundaries
6. How to Respect Other People’s Boundaries
7. Know When To Walk Away
8. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-endings/201102/what-it-takes-walk-away
9. The health benefits of good friends

Gentle Lamb said:

I have a friend with schizo-affective disorder (depressive), who has recently become the most withdrawn of all the time I've ever known him. How can I still be supportive and show care when he's not responding to my communications? Should I still try to send encouraging text messages or should I only pray for him in the meantime? I have not known anyone else with this particular disorder and I'm not sure if it's overwhelming to him if I try to keep communicating. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

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You sound like a good friend that's why I would suggest that you NOT send encouraging text. Many times when people are in a depression saying positive things to them can make them feel even worse because they can't get "there".

Instead let your friend know that you're there, that you just want to know he's okay, and if there's anything you can do for them. When you do talk to him find out if he's eating and what he's been eating. Some depressed don't eat. If possible send him a meal.

Let your friend know that you'll be checking in on them from time to time. If you get a sense that maybe some intervention is needed, call 911 and ask for a "WELLNESS CHECK". Emphasize he's mentally ill, what you've shared here, and your concern.

They will send the police to his residence to check on him and make sure he's okay. If necessary they can take him to the hospital where he can be placed on a 72 hour hold. In doing so they can observe him and do some blood work. It's an option and it's better for your friend to be in the hospital where he can be supported and get the help he needs than to be alone and getting sicker.

One time when I didn't respond to a friend's calls for almost a week, he called and threatened me with a "wellness check". I returned his call because I realized my friend really was concerned about me.

Continue to pray for your friend and ask others to pray and don't take any of his actions personal...

If I were you I would tell him to at least have the common courtesy to tell you he is fine and just wants to be alone, that way you know he's ok. Tell him if you don't hear something, even an empty text that you will be sending cops to check him. He needs support. It sounds like he is delusional.