I think wanting to be able to is one of the last stages of deep depression as you explained... before the apathy totally takes over... the mind continues to try to roust us but.... (yes the proverbial but ) the feelings don't match.. the feelings of caring , truly caring, just aren't anywhere.

We do things.. because we are supposed to, because others expect it, because we used to and we don't want others to think we don't care, because maybe we won't always be this way and we don't want to have to explain this later?

at this stage, others tell us... good to see you back 'doing"... even here... you must be feeling better, you sure are posting alot.... but it's all part of the ploy. IRL I take extra time (and you know what I mean by even more EXTRA time) to do my makeup "just so" when I am in some of my darkest days... I don't want others to really know how depressed I am.. it's my own black hole.... leave me alone! (well... not really, BUT...)