[AbsentFriend]

It sounds like your new medical diagnosis is contributing to the anxiety.

I had whiplash a few years ago, and often had spells of dizziness and nausea. I was afraid to go out in public, be on public transportation, or be in large crowds where I couldn't escape immediately. I was afraid of getting sick in public. My heart rate and respirations would soar from the anxiety, a wave of heat would pass through me, and I would feel even more ill as a result.

The thing that finally helped me was this: I went on an outdoor volunteer trip to clear brush from hiking trails. I was afraid of being far from the starting point, or transportation out. So I told the man in charge exactly what was up - that I was enthusiastic about helping, but I had a condition that often made me dizzy and nauseous, and that I was worried about getting out/getting help in time. He was very understanding and assured me that the various group leaders had radios, and that I shouldn't hesitate to ask for help if I needed it.

I spent the day in good spirits and hardly any anxiety. And I didn't get sickl. Not because anything about me had changed, but because my worries were shared with and understood by someone else.

Hope this helps!