My boyfriend is starting to withdraw
My (32F) boyfriend (38M) of a year has started to fully withdraw. He has expressed frustration about how he no longer feels engaged with work, co-workers and friends throughout our relationship but now I'm concerned it's escalating.
Before he would mask - he would say he was numb and struggling to care about things in his life, but would still come across as joyous and engaged with the world around him. But slowly he has become more flat and frustrated at his inability to engage as he once did.
I have gently suggested seeking help, as I know that's for him to decide and me trying to push the issue may make him feel judged or sink further into himself. He has started the steps to seeking help, just has been putting off booking an actual appointment.
This week has been a turning point where he has begun withdrawing from conversations with me and showing little to no interest or affection with short messages and lack of responses. I am doing my best to give him his space and trying not to take it personally, I do feel a bit hurt by the sudden drop in communication without him expressing that it's just something he needs right now.
I don't really know if I'm doing the right thing and am feeling a bit in the dark, I have just been waiting for him to be ready and know this will take time.
If anyone has any advice around what to do when their partner starts sinking further into depression and how to support them without pushing them away it would be greatly appreciated 🙏