I've not ever found anything that works, except the passage of time. Depressive episodes eventually just lift, like how the flu just runs its course. If I started catching up on household chores, that sometimes breaks the grip of an episode. Last night I tydied up the kitchen and felt much improved. But in a few hours I felt awful again.

Maybe these "blues" aren't going to just lift. Maybe I have to fight my way laboriously up out of this hole. Maybe I just have to accept doing some arduous climbing, rung by rung, up. In the past I figure out something to look forward to. I can't think of anything like that now. Sometimes, if I just start doing what needs doing, something to look forward to will occur to me after I start being active.

I know all the standard advice. You can't wait till you feel better to make an effort. You won't feel better until you make an effort. I know what I could do and what I should do. I just have to accept that their may be no gratification for awhile. Self-discipline is not my strong point when I'm this far down.

Earlier I thought of having a glass of wine. But I felt like that would just make my stomach queasy, so I made a protein shake that went down pretty good. I haven't been eating much.
Once a doctor wondered if I had a drinking problem because I said I enjoyed alcohol. However, when very depressed, I have no interest in it. I only like wine with food.

Thank you for your post. I just have to stop vegetating.