How to encourage a depressed SEI?

[Scientist]

Throw rocks at him

Thank you. That's basically what I did a year ago, when he finally went to see the doctor and started initial treatment. It happened only because I was physically there for him during my short term visit and almost kicked him to the clinic. But I live far away. even if I throw rocks at him from where I currently live, they are likely to end up in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
I also am afraid to be too pushy about it and turn him away from me. Last time we talked about it he started crying and crawled into his introverted shell for three days.