<human>: My boyfriend has struggled with depression in the past, and while he is doing much better now, still has rough patches. 

During those rough patches, he has a very low view of himself and feels that no one cares about or likes him. Unless he feels it's proven otherwise, he feels worse and worse. 

He is often cold at first, sometimes questioning why I'm with him in that moment and I can go off with other people if I want to. I've always stuck with him during those times, unwilling to leave someone alone when they feel that no one wants to be around them. His coldness is hurtful, and I know I need to better communicate that. 

I strongly feel I'm doing the right thing by staying with him during those self-deprecating times, as once he realises I genuinely want to be there with him, he's very grateful, there's lots of hugs, and sometimes tears. 

What I want to know is what do I do in the earlier periods? Staying silent really doesn't help, but i don't know what to say. Especially when he responds sarcastically or coldly. Anyone with experience with this please offer some help? I've spoken to a very close friend of his who gave me some advice and it has been helping, but I'd appreciate everything I can get. How can I show support and what do I do when he's being cold? I can handle tears or the like, and I know he's really appreciative of me. (He hasn't just said this to me, he has told other people.)

Can you provide a brief overview of the text?
<bot>: boyfriend struggles with depression at times. Can be cold, doesn't like silence, what do I say in those times?