Lots of cuddles! Even if someone doesn't have the works , cuddles is all you need!

Sometimes just giving a hug without words is helpful to me. I tell my husband I don't need you to fix my depression because you can't. I just need compassion.

Things I would like to hear... Because if I'm depressed, I'm in a lot of pain...Tell me you believe me and you love me. Give me a gentle but confident hug. Calmly reassure me of ur unconditional love & that ur not going anywhere (cuz I might fear you'll leave me cuz I'm depressed or anxious) Massage my neck or back. Offer to order dinner in & suggest a funny movie to watch at home. And sometimes just simply being there helps tremendously.

Try to read up on depression as much as you can. Depression isn't caused by what you do or don't do. It is more understanding that you don't expect them to be anything different than what they are. We are sad. We know we have many things to be happy about but we aren't. We do not choose this life. I don't like being around other people because they expect too much from me.

He is not alone! I've had depression since age 11 to age 73 now. Go with him for moral support, and do not tell anyone about his illness unless he requests you to do so.
?? Group therapy with men only. And a male therapist.
He will be a stronger, happier man for going.