If Zoloft doesn't work for you after giving it a month to take effect try a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) like Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Yentreve). It acts a bit differently than the common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like Zoloft you are taking. So if Zoloft really don't work i would realy sugest the Cymbalta.
Some info on Cymbalta
Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Yentreve) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly. It is effective for major depressive disorder and it is as effective as venlafaxine in generalised anxiety disorder. It is well tolerated and is considered a first line treatment strategy. Duloxetine failed the US approval for stress urinary incontinence amidst the concerns about liver toxicity and suicidal events; however, it was approved for this indication in Europe and Canada. Duloxetine alleviates pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia; however, its efficacy relative to the established treatments, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants, has not been established.
I actually prefer Zoloft, but for me, the first couple of weeks I experienced an actual increase in anxiety and felt really jittery. Remember, SSRIs like Zoloft can take a good couple of weeks before you start to feel the benefit of them. As far as the Ativan, in my opinion, many doctors will prescribe a benzo like this especially when starting a med like Zoloft. You are not taking that much, but just talk with your doctor about all you medication concerns; good communication between the paitient and the provider is a must in my opinion.