Should I go up a dose

I think it's better to get regular exercise. Sometimes doctors do prescribe medication which should only really be prescribed as a last resort or for depression with a chemical basis. Perhaps yours is the latter? I have a friend who suffers from psychotic depression for instance-this runs in her family so it's likely biochemical in its origin. If it's social issues and events which are causing the problem then therapy is your best bet. We only live once, you really have to make it count. Every time you get sad thinking about something, try putting distance between yourself and it in your mind. Think, it's just an emotion, it doesn't define or rule me. I think getting active really helps too, especially helping other people eg volunteer for a charity. Also you could get creative. I've started designing and carving wooden rings/sculptures as christmas presents for family members. It gives you a creative outlet and something to focus on. Also listen to upbeat tracks, music is really helpful. Definitely set aside time for yourself to relax, whether it's burning incense, yoga or tai chi, or even just watching a (cheerful) film.

Check out Nick Vujicic on youtube too, definite inspiration

I would try the higher dose for a few months and see if your body adjusts to the increased dose and that you feel better.

Richard

Sounds like you've got the voluntary work sorted :D Thats a really nice thing to do though, so my hat's off to you. I know depression myself, sometimes it's social/self-esteem issues (same). Something rung true for me that Paul Mckenna said. You can get all of these people who are rich, own fast cars are in loving relationships, but they're not happy. The issue is self esteem and your 'true self'. Your true self is the opposite of the negatives you think up about yourself. Eg I tell myself I'm stupid, but that's not productive and only makes be act stupid. The best advice is 'Don't fake it'. We spend so much time putting on a front for people and it's exhausting and only makes you miserable. Eg played a lot of computer games in the past, but kept that a secret for the fear of being labelled a 'nerd'. This meant that when someone I really liked tried to start a conversation with me, I pretended I didn't play games because I thought she'd suss me out for being a geek. She ended up in a relationship with my friend, a self-confessed computer game geek who didn't try to hide it. All in all, if I was myself I might have found common ground with this person and subsequently have ended up in a relationship with her. The moral of the story, don't be afraid of who you are, or letting it show, it might just be the best thing you ever did.