My boyfriend's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago and it seriously affected my boyfriend. We recently found out that her cancer cannot be cured and she has around 6-18 months to live.

I'm looking for advice on how to handle the situation. I'm really worried about my boyfriend. He's depressed, emotional and irritable. He's decided he just wants to go into self-destruct mode and is drinking heavily all the time.

I've suggested counselling, but he said he doesn't want to talk to anyone because it won't make any difference to the situation. He's also terrible at sharing his emotions with me and I don't push him to as I know it makes him irritated.

I'm just struggling to find ways to support him. We live together and it's so awful to see him suffer and not be able to help in any way. 

Has anyone else been through anything similar? 

Heidi