Fuiyoh, 9 years is damn long to be stuck in depression.

I was under depression for 1+ years I think. Not to the extent that I needed medication but it was bad enough that it affects my focus and concentration at work, not to mention very easily getting emo. Basically because I was working in a shitty country and have no real friends and no outlet for hobby.

Anyway, for a person under depression it is very hard to force him to do things like socialize and all, so I would suggest starting from him as a start. try making him reconnect with a lost interest / hobby / passion. Once he has something to cling onto which is closer to his heart (means not status stuff like money, addiction, bla bla bla), then he'll be on his way to recovery.

Oh and some change in the situation will help too, for me is quitting my job, coming back to home land, and switching to a different career