I did read a study recently where they found alexithymia correlated with lower creativity but not lowered imagination... anyways I wouldn't get caught up with that one thing if he/you want to look into it as something he needs help with or whatever.

That was nice of him to work through his pain to do the chorse so you didn't have to. He sounds like a really good man who cares a lot about you He sounds kind of like me and I don't like being pushed to share my feelings because it's hard for me and a lot of time I don't know what to say about it really. If he's like me then don't press him hard to explain his depression and stuff, just be supportive and kind without being emotionally confrontational maybe. Good luck, hope you guys feel better - maybe it's something in the water