How do y'all keep your non-nested relationships strong when one partner has recurring depression that's a feature, not a bug? My non-nested partner (they/them) & I (he/him) started dating about 8 months ago, and I'm in the middle of my second cycle where their depression has kinda hijacked them/our time together. Normally, I spend the night once or twice a week & we text or call on and off throughout the week. When they're depressed, all they want to do is stay in bed. Communication gets harder. Last week they asked me to call in the morning & didn't show up for the calls for the first time. This weekend they only had spoons for a walk around the block. I definitely understand it's misbalanced brain chemicals sabotaging things & not my partner's lack of effort or willpower. Like, I know it's the depression causing the ghostiness, but it still feels ghosty.

Also, to be clear: I'm not trying to fix my partner (we both have therapists, they're on meds). I'm looking for practical wisdom, maybe some empathy, and am hoping for more ways/tools/strategies to help feel more connected.