Hey T, thank you for bringing this subject to the forum. I hope you're getting responses that are helping. I imagine your questions will help others along the way too.
There is so much to say about all of this! I'll try to keep it short and share my experience.
At 2 months I felt a bit like you. I briefly considered an antidepressant but really didn't want to go that route and felt more comfortable trying other avenues first. I'm at 3 months and things are better. Time behind me is a big one. Doing small things and setting a routine helped tons. First was the combo of getting out of bed, getting my coffee and log on to do my NOPE..no exception or excuses with this one. Other things....have breakfast, be religious with taking Vitamins, specifically a good Vit D, take a shower, take a walk outside...doesn't have to be long or cardio focused just get out in the fresh air and sun, finally plan out and then do a good deed for someone each week. For example, one friend lost her mom last week, another found out she has breast cancer....I made them some food and dropped it off. I walked a dog. Simple, brief and lifted everyone's spirt just a smidgeon. Something else that is going to help is more sunshine and warmer temps.
I DO believe there is a physical aspect of depression to this all. I also think staying in our head and dwelling on it isn't helping us at all, (maybe I should say my head and doesn't help me). Do trust that it's temporary, that time is our friend and sometimes pushing to do small things makes a world of difference (like getting out of bed or a shower, sad but true). For what it's worth, I've never been like this either....but I've not been a non-smoker for 36 years either. Healing and learning new things can be hard but worth it.
You asked what we thought of the suggestion of using an NRT in the mornings and all I can say is no way would I do it, even if my Dr suggested it, but that's kind of how I roll anyway...bit of defiance in me :).
What you're doing is pretty remarkable so do try to keep that in the forefront of your thoughts. It WILL get better, promise you that.