My ex has depression which he only gets treated for with counselling at the minute. He recently rejoined uni and is getting really stressed out with his course already. 3 weeks ago we had an argument and he very suddenly said he couldn't deal with it and he didn't love me romantically any more.

I know since then he's gone off the boil, going home every weekend, not doing so much of his hobbies, skipping lectures etc and so I genuinely think everything has got too much and he's pushed me away to test me almost.

Recently I got in touch with him to talk about swopping stuff etc and we've been talking exactly like normal, better even. He seems very reluctant to give my stuff back as he's had many chances now and refuses each time.

I love him beyond words and I just want him back in my arms, I honestly feel like he does still love me everything just got too much for him and he cut me out.

How do I make him see what we have?

He told me last night his mum and gran miss me which I took to be a good sign. I want to go into no contact to see whether or not he replies but I also know he's having difficulties at uni and if I'm the only one who knows about the depression I don't want to make him feel even more isolated.

Is there any chance or should I give up? To me it just sounds like he's in a bad place but of course he might have really meant he doesn't love me...but I don't understand why he would tell me he loved me and didn't want me to go through the hell of him and his counselling just a few days before all this happened.

I feel like I need counselling now, really trying to get out there and look after myself.