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Seems like apathy about life wouldn't work for me. I want something to care about otherwise going on seems pointless.

I want something to care about, too. That's why I was convinced by those two articles.

However, I have to put this here - a more in-depth analysis of one study that is the basis of some of the ideas. The study was flawed to the point of nonsense:

Improving your health by pursuing meaning in your life versus happiness | Mind the Brain

I still fall that side of the philosophical debate, though:

>In the words of Carl Jung, “The least of things with a meaning is worth more in life than the greatest of things without it.” Jung’s wisdom certainly seems to apply to our bodies, if not also to our hearts and our minds.

Yup, if you push yourself and try something different. And keep trying. You got nothing, so investigate.

IMO

I think that for some people meaning has to be chosen. That is what I understand of existentialism. You can choose life or death. Since you're going to die eventually anyway why not just wait it out. Choose a meaning. This is one of the thoughts that kept me from committing suicide when I was at my lowest. Why not wait. And in the meantime experiment with different things to make meaning in your life. While I agree that helping others and society ( that includes the environment) can feel artificial when one chooses it for one's own selfish,needs,in the action itself meaning gets manifest. I help out in a little school here. At first I did it because I needed a place to go. After I started interacting with the kids, I found that even a little attention from an adult can deeply affect a child. I went to school for selfish reasons but unselfish reasons presented themselves to me.
I also need medication, though.
I never had fun when I was supposed to be having fun. I have fun now.
Happiness is not a superficial thing. It can create its' own atmosphere which is contagious. It is a gift we can bring to the world.
As I said, just my opinion.

I was thinking about this thread the other day and came up with something that relates to what you've said. I was thinking how successful musicians are able to share their joy in their music, and this is a kind of meaning that serves others without having an obvious practical purpose in the ordinary sense. That would be an example of what you've said here, I think.

Chapter 3 of this book discusses in detail what you need to consider in order to make a meaningful life. Might be worth lookign at. I am finding it interesting:

Psychological Self-Help - new - Table of Contents