When did you know you needed professional help with your anxiety? 

2020 was the year I started having panics attacks regularly and dealing with a lots of chaotic thoughts, and generally feeling out of control. I thought it was due to a job I had and how stressful and awful it was. I left that job and found a job I love. Then the pandemic hit. I caught Covid early in 2020 and after developed asthma. I also went through a lot of other health issues too, including gynaecology stuff and my dad getting really sick too. 

I started regularly having panic attacks in 2020, after I'd had Covid, and was really stressed about catching it again and being around sick people in general. I was scared to go grocery shopping and generally scared to leave the house. Luckily, I was able to work from home so it didn't really affect me in terms of work. My asthma was also bad and I was in and out of hospital. Around this time, I also witnessed my dad suffering from health problems (he has a bad heart) and was with him when he collapsed suddenly and we had to call ambulance and take hime to hospital, all of which was very distressing. He's ok now, but the memory of it has stayed with me and I often think about it. 

Now, my physical health is much better and I am doing well. However, recently I have been going back into the office more, as my boss is shifting more towards getting everyone back. I was ok with this as I work in a large open plan office, everyone is vaccinated and there's only like 4 of us there at one time. Last week was really tough for me. I've been finding it increasingly stressful being in social situations where people are not wearing masks or socially distanced. Virtually no-one is wearing a mask anymore, especially in shops. 

I have also been very stressed in terms of work load and deadlines and had a massive panic attack at work, in front of everyone (so humiliating). There is a new starter who recently had Covid, like a week ago, and I was informed I would need to train her and be sat next to her in the office. There have also been other people at work who have shown symptoms but haven't isolated or followed the correct protocols. All of which has made me very anxious and worried. I'm worried about catching Covid again, even though I'm vaccinated because it could affect my asthma. Even a minor cold has serious repercussions. Last time I had a chest infection, I ended up in hospital. My boss has been very accommodating and suggested I remain working from home which I'm really grateful for. I actually work for a mental health service (oh the irony!) so my boss has been very supportive and has suggested I get professional help. This is the first time anyone has suggested this to me. I was a little shocked, as I never thought I actually had "proper" anxiety. My husband has been very supportive but I haven't old any one else, such as family or friends, because it feels too embarrassing/exposing? I don't want them to worry about me. 

So, my question is, how do you know when you need to get professional help? I assumed my feelings were normal due to stress and being worried about my health. I know most people have struggled in 2020. I do not feel like I'm being melodramatic. But...I would like to not feel so anxious and worried all the time. Especially, in social situations or at work. I am also worried about having panic attacks in front of colleagues or in social settings. 

Sorry this is so long!

TL;DR When to get professional help? When you want to feel "normal" again or when someone else suggests you need help?