It's mean to not take depression seriously.
James college roommate confessed that he'd been too depressed to get out of bed or go to class for the last two weeks.
James wants to help his friend.
James tells his roommate that must be really hard, and asks if he's tried talking to a psychiatrist.
James tries to make a joke about how having depression is at least better than having herpes.
James' roommate agrees to let James call a psychiatrist near campus and schedule him an appointment.
James' rooommate is not amused and doesn't confide in him again.