I’ve been dating a M36 for a few months who is very lost in life. He was diagnosed at 19, and since then has had a succession of jobs. The latest two employers (admin) didn’t put much support in place and he ended up quitting the jobs due to struggling with cognitive symptoms.

He lives at home with his parents due to not being able to hold jobs down and doesn’t have many friends. The disability money doesn’t cover private rent and social housing is a very long waiting list. Whilst lovely, his parents haven’t encouraged him to become independent and he spends his days watching YouTube (he’s addicted at this point).

He says nothing interests him, he’s a boring person and he’s been like this his whole life. I disagree, he likes to animate and I wondered if doing a uni degree would help him find a purpose but his parents are discouraging and I do worry whether he’d stick to it.

I have tried to help him cut down on screen time (unsuccessfully), encouraged him to join a gym (which he has done, he is still mobile) and bought some journals so he can help himself identify what he enjoys and focus more on the positives. He socialises with my friends and I and we’ve been exploring new places (I encouraged him to start driving again).

I believe he’s in a deep depression and lacking self esteem. I just don’t know how else to help him. He is adamantly against antidepressants and has never had counselling (he’s more open to this bar the cost).

Any thoughts on how I could help are welcomed.