My bf was recently was diagnosed with depression. He's been on medication for about
2.5 weeks now and is seeing a counselor. I am a very optimistic person and I don't really know what he's going through, I feel like I am not being as helpful as I should be but I'm not sure how to be more supportive,
I don't know how to give him advice for something I don't understand. I've been trying to do research and learn about depression but I'm still not sure what to say to him when he's feeling so low.
His counselor had suggested he quit his job and while I know he's not happy there, it's a very good paying job that we just moved across country for him to take. I worry that 1) he will regret leaving it after he has gotten control of his depression. 2) that he is expecting to quit his job and then his depression will totally clear up. 3) If he loses his insurance he will stop treatment.
I want him to be happy and if quitting will help him I'm totally supportive but I'm not sure I trust a counselor who suggests quitting your job, is that normal? I'm also not sure how to draw the line between being supportive and enabling his depression. I think he's still seeking a quick fix and when I suggest that treatment will take time I think it just makes him more depressed.
I try to be positive and tell him that he'll get better but he's so negative right now and just thinks I'm giving stock responses. I know that it's hard for people with depression to hear positives about themselves but how do I let him know I'm being sincere and that he really does have a lot of great things in his life and that he is great.
I know I have alot of questions/concersn so any advice would be greatly appreciated.