dealing with an anxiety disorder

It's called agoraphobia. The only thing I can say is if u want to change, u must force urself to go out and be among ppl and places until it becomes comfortable. If u don't make that effort, it won't change. Best!

I've had similar anxieties, about traveling. "What if I never make it back?" - farfetched stuff like that. Seek counseling and find something else to occupy your mind. Build model airplanes, watch TV, go the mall, exercise, whatever it takes.

There are many people that suffer from this. I think many of us are not wired for modern society.

Social anxiety has a lot of medicine choices. Hundreds actually.
I assume you have sought medical attention for this correct?

There are so many medicines to deal anxiety.

Take up boxing it will give you the confidence to handle anything