I can offer some possible explanations for why someone might react this way:
Lack of Awareness: Your boyfriend may not fully understand the nature of mental health issues like depression, which can lead to him being dismissive or unsupportive when you try to talk to him about it.
Stigma: Unfortunately, there is still a significant stigma surrounding mental health in many societies. Some people might belittle or invalidate mental health concerns because they don't perceive them as serious or think that seeking help is a sign of weakness.
Fear or Helplessness: Sometimes, people may react negatively to their partner's mental health struggles because they don't know how to help or feel overwhelmed by the situation.
Personal Issues: It's possible that your boyfriend is dealing with his own personal issues or stressors, which might affect how he responds to your mental health problems.
Lack of Empathy: Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding and supporting someone who is going through a difficult time. If your boyfriend lacks empathy or struggles to put himself in your shoes, it could impact how he responds to your depression.
Communication Issues: Miscommunication or a lack of effective communication might be causing misunderstandings between you and your boyfriend. He may not intend to be mean, but his responses come across that way due to a communication breakdown.
Relationship Problems: Sometimes, underlying relationship issues can manifest in unsupportive or negative reactions to mental health concerns.
Whatever the reasons might be, it's crucial to prioritize your well-being and mental health. Here are some steps you could consider:
Educate him: If your boyfriend is open to learning, share resources or articles about depression and its impact on individuals to help him understand what you're going through.
Communicate openly: Try to have a calm and honest conversation with him about how his behavior makes you feel and what kind of support you need from him.
Seek support from others: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist who can provide the understanding and support you need during this time.
Set boundaries: If his behavior continues to be hurtful and unsupportive, it might be necessary to set boundaries or consider seeking additional support outside the relationship.
Consider relationship counseling: If your relationship is struggling due to these issues, couple's counseling could be beneficial in addressing and resolving the problems together.
Remember, it's essential to surround yourself with people who are understanding, compassionate, and supportive of your mental health journey. If your boyfriend is unable or unwilling to be there for you in the way you need, it might be worth evaluating whether this relationship is ultimately healthy for you.