Yes, my parents are very supportive and that has meant the world to me when it comes to managing depression and anxiety. It seems you're also supportive - make sure to ask open-ended questions and hear him out before giving out any concrete advice. Have you ever consulted documents/websites for family members/parents of children with depression? I have sent these documents to my support system over the years and they have always appreciated learning more. This website has several resources on this topic that you may find useful.

I'm a university professor and I deal a lot with students with mental health issues. I find that many of my colleagues are quite empathetic, and that if students go through the "proper" channels (usually some form of official accommodation), they can defer their course until a later date or in the very least, withdraw without penalty. This is a serious medical condition after all.

If your son trusts you enough to share some of these innermost feelings/thoughts with you, then that is most likely a good sign.

Please keep us posted,

RJ