Love that Paula..
Matt - yes I mean pop in here, you might find that talking to people who "get it" might help a bit - not only on the depression front, but also on the loneliness front... I've made some amazing friends through this place.
My husband takes Venlafaxine 1 twice a day, so if the slow release ones aren't working as well for you that's something you may be able to try... Could you call and speak to a different GP?