Help: My boyfriends Depression is Back.

Dear all,

thank you for taking the time and listening to my Problems.

Yesterday, my boyfriend confessed to me that his depression has returned after two years of being depression-free. Now I am researching as to what I can do.

1) My boyfriend had a bad experience with a therapist in his teenage years. He cannot trust any therapist since. I carefully brought up the Idea, but it seems to make him too uncomfortable. I hear mixed signals on what I should do. Should I leave him be and just try to be a comfort or should I try to convince him again and again because it is a necessity? Even if I tried, I don't think I could convince him and I am scared for him.

2) He says he won't be able to show as much affection anymore. Is anyone in a relationship with someone that has depression and can give me any headsup as to how our relationship is probably going to change? What should I definitely try and definitely NOT do?

3)Do I need to brace myself that his depression won't leave? As of right now, I am thinking of it as a needing to sit this out Situation, because he Had stopped suffering from depression once before. But what If it never leaves? I am intending on staying with him for the Rest of my Life, but now I am Not entirely sure what that entails & If I can be a strong enough support.

4) what can I do for myself? I am seriously struggeling with accepting his depression. I don't want to See him in pain & it Hurts. I also don't want him to know that it hurts me.

Any Tips?