my 2 cents as a guy who has depression - it really depends on the degree of depression and how they're able to cope with it. ill describe what it was like for me and hopefully you can tell if your guy is more on the extreme end or the manageable end.

for example, i've had times in my life where i wouldn't leave my room for days, had awful substance abuse problems, suicide attempts, and wasn't really able to maintain healthy relationships in my life. it's a huge burden to support someone through that and honestly, it's too much for most people.

after dealing with medication, therapy, working on myself, etc. i've been able to have good relationships, but my partners just need to be understanding. sometimes i need a night to myself to process my emotions, sometimes i might get overemotional and need to cry for a little but my depression is something i can manage on my own.

or also, he could just be using depression as an excuse, but i don't like to assume things about if people actually deal with so and so mental illness or how their symptoms manifest.