I think my boyfriend is depressed. How do I help?

[freezingspark]

Hi everyone, for a month or so, my boyfriend has become really distant. Barely talking to me and definitely not laughing with me. He would also snap at me about tiny things. I was getting really angry and confused about what I had done. In my head, I was thinking I couldn't live with him for much longer like this and then he completely forgot about Valentine's Day yesterday...

I'm not a huge one for V day but I've always asked for a card and he just completely forgot. I started to cry and then he also broke down and told me how he had been feeling really down for a couple of months. He doesn't know why but said he really didn't like seeing people anymore and just wanted to come home after work and sleep because that was a way to not think about being down. To me, it sounds like he's depressed.

I tried to ask if he could pinpoint what made him happy and down but he didn't know.

I didn't really know what to say but thought that him admitting it was probably a good first step. I suggested he talk to his dad (they're really close) and/or someone professionally.

I'm really not sure how to support him as I worry that I might not be helping and I think he needs to leave London (where we live) to feel better.

If anyone has any advice for him and also for how I can help, I would be really grateful

[mo9012]

My boyfriend and I both suffer from mental illness so I understand the fear and confusion that comes with supporting and dealing with a sick S/O. A few things are important to remember. First of all, he does need to get help. If he doesn’t fully commit to trying to get better for his own sake, no amount of support will make him do it. Secondly, if he does choose to get help, you can support and love him and help him through it. But a very, VERY important thing to remember is your own happiness. I’ve had to tell my boyfriend that I can’t talk to him on certain days when he’s really bad because I was having bad anxiety myself. He understood that. So if your boyfriend is willing to get help and accept support, and you’re willing to help him while setting boundaries to keep yourself sane and happy, everything will work out❤️ Just don’t feel guilty or be afraid to say you need to take a step back. Your happiness comes first in your life, never forget that. Message me if you need more support or anything else.

[Justswimming]

Well he took the first step.to admitting he is having problems next step is to see a professional doctor and therapist..I don't know if he has insurance ...maybe his dad could help with that ..