While everyone's experience will be different I agree with ablankscript's assessment. During depression these negative thoughts cause a lot of emotional pain. In recovery one may or may not remember those specific negative thoughts but either way they won't be, shouldn't be, causing pain.

I hope he is still in therapy. In my opinion an antidepressant is what allows therapy to be effective in cases where the depression is caused by a chemical imbalance that blocks the ability to function normally. Therapy helps get the thought process back to a healthier state, and includes coping skills for when negative thoughts return or when life events trigger a relapse.