My almost boyfriend wants me to be able to open up to him emotionally and just say what’s on my mind. I am struggling to do so as a result of my anxiety and depression. Any advice or tips please?

I am talking to my guy friend from uni right now and we’re in the stage of basically dating but not quite bf/gf yet. We acknowledged that we like one another but haven’t officially decided to label the relationship yet. In terms of personalities, we are opposites, he is outgoing and an open book, while I am shy and have severe anxiety (gad and sad) and depression.

I was talking to him the other day and he asks me why do I hold back when I talk to him. He asked me what I am afraid of that causes me not to just say what I want to say. He says that we are a team and will support me.

I know that I hold back as I am afraid of rejection and being judged as that my anxious thoughts make it so I end up not saying anything. My depressed thoughts causes me to believe that he will find that I am uninteresting, boring, weird, etc. As a result, I end up saying less of what I truly want to say and if I do say something it is mundane.

I have mentioned my anxiety/depression to him, but I don’t think he comprehends the extent of it. I am on medication and working with a therapist to treat it.

I want to be able to freely speak my mind and not have to hold back in front of him. A relationship is built on trust with one another, but I don’t know how I can allow myself to let all aspects of me shine. Especially when I’ve built up walls for several years.

Advice or tips needed. Thank you.