I generally keep myself buy by panicking over the side effects.

Haha, sorry, that didn't help.

Maybe do a journal of your symptoms. That way you can note any reductions or progressions. Sometimes it's hard to tell if you feel better unless you have something tangible to look back on.... you know, since with meds it might be little by little... most likely the depression isn't going to just completely lift one day when you wake up... it might be little by little... so take note of the changes by writing them down.