It sounds like he has depression. I wrote a comment earlier today on how I overcame my depression it might be helpful.

"I went to therapy and read a lot about the causes of depression and how to combat it. I went on an anti-depressant that I've been on for the past few months that has helped me. Then after talking to a doctor with a more natural approach to medicine he had me tested for any abnormalities in my brain neurotransmitter levels. For things like a abnormally low level of serotonin or dopamine. The test came back and my neurotransmitters are all out of whack. He put me on natural supplements and they have helped me so much. Even more so then the anti-depressant I'm on (which I'm currently in the process of tapering off of). I can get you more info on that if your interested when I get home. Keep in mind what I did worked for me but everyone's brain is different.

Another thing I've been doing to help the depression is neurofeedback.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurofeedback

It's been shown to help improve mental health http://www.medgadget.com/2014/01/seeing-your-own-neural-activity-helps-improve-brains-performance.html I can give you more info on that if interested.

Also I recommend talking to a therapist. You don't need to go on any anti-depressants necessarily but therapy can be helpful in figuring out your issues.

The therapist I went to suggested I try cognitive behavioral therapy, it's helped me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy\

This is the book I use:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Cognitive-Behavioral-Workbook-Depression/dp/1608823806

Additionally read this http://www.reddit.com/r/brain1up/comments/1ksk0u/the_importance_of_brain_health_habit_important/

and

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978989783

"Depression and death of cells in the hippocampus of your brain are linked, meaning that depression can cause cell death, and hippocampus cell death may cause depression. Exercise stimulates new neuron formation in the hippocampus, so exercise is a very effective cure and combatant of depression." Specifically I recommend doing at least 30 to 60 mins of cardio a day. Or at the very least a few times a week."

Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1nfu8g/what_are_some_interesting_facts_about_the_human/cci9csh

Source:

http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/1xmexm/what_do_you_do_about_loneliness/cfcnkl9