Thanks downandlonely! I think it's mostly just starting AD and feeling weird about how my chemistry is changing. I am around here often during the day, but rarely interact any more, as I don't always have much to offer. But I do know you're correct that I need to distract myself and being around or talking to others does help.

Yesterday afternoon and evening went quite a bit better. Two things happened that might have played a role in that. First, I realized that I have been assuming the worst case scenario for so long, it's now just ingrained in my thinking, but I could just as easily decide to either view things with a best case scenario OR view things with a neutral view. Why do I need to view things negatively, if ultimately it's my choice? The negativity is not being forced on me, it's me choosing to be that way. Second, I took a Benadryl tablet and split it into thirds and took a third every 3-4 hours. I've always used Benadryl for sleep, but I guess it does have some anti-anxiety properties. Hydroxyzine that I was prescribed is in the same drug class and Benadryl, so I guess that makes sense.

So, not sure if it was trying to actively change my view or the meds, but late yesterday was better.