We are trying to get our depressed friend to get up and out and do anything. He hasn't worked or even been out to eat with his wife in FOUR YEARS. He sits at home and watches TV all the time and drinks wine by the box. I don't think he drinks water or anything else, just wine. I don't think he eats anything either. If he would get out, get some Effexor, and some exercise, he might be saved. He is a total recluse now. It came on gradually, but he is really bad now. A wasted life.
Does he sit down to watch TV, or lie down? I think it's harder for people who spend a lot of time "prone," to get going. I've noticed that with my 90 year old mother. Even if she is not going to be doing anything special, even if she is feeling "weakish," I need to make sure she sits upright for at least part of the day.
I think that focussing one's eyes straight ahead for too many hours of the day is can depress one's energy level, too. Sort of the flipside of the doctor who "treated" depressed patients by having them move their eyes.