Hi, I would definitely talk to your Dr., as a nurse, usually they like to add an antidepressant like Paxil or Effexor xr. Both are used for anxiety even with or without depressive thought patterns. The goal is usually to control the anxiety and eventually get off the controlled substance such as ativan or xanax. Though some Dr.s will use both to help a patient. I would love to congratulated u for getting sober that is so wonderful. That is such an accomplishment. I would also try some positive thinking, try a mantra, which is just a sentence that lifts your spirits. Anything that is relevant to u, such as "I am a worth while person~people should be proud to know me" or something that works for u. Keeping repeating it in ur head when u are in social situations and stressed out. I know I have fallen prey to those thoughts to, the ones that drive u to think too hard. Like I tell my girlfriend who suffers with bipolar disorder, tell those voices I am going to kick their ass and tell them u are wonderful, she just laughs but it always cheers her up. Take care of Yourself and be kind to u, after are we are all that we really have, to be are very best selves.
