does your b/f know about your experience with depression? if he didn't know, it would help him open up, i think. if he does, he must feel ashamed about it as it affects his feelings of self-worth. maybe he just wants to deny it so he can feel better again quicker. or maybe he's got the belief that he should "snap out of it." could be a guy thing where guys are supposed to be tough and depressed guys are weak, which is not true. i'm not sure, i'm just thinking of ideas of why he may not be telling you the truth. what you're describing his behavior is unmistakably depression. gee, since you have that experience, i don't have any ideas to give you in trying to help him. must be hard knowing with your experience and seeing him go through it. i wish you the best in helping your b/f.