  Since I was a teenager, I've experienced manageable social anxiety. I'll also add that I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about seven years ago. The anxiety was a symptom of that, so it fluctuated depending on my moods. I have never taken medication and haven't gone to therapy for four years now (I always end up quitting). 

  My anxiety WAS manageable, until this year. In the beginning of January my fiance was shot in his vehicle and sustained a life threatening injury to his abdomen. He needed emergency surgery and spent three weeks in the hospital. He didn't know the people who shot him, and the police informed us it was gang related. One person was identified and she only spent 24 hours in custody before she got bail and was released. At this moment, the three assailants are free to hurt whoever they want. 

  Lately, I've been fearing for my life. In these instances I'm convinced I am going to be shot in public, or stabbed and bleed out, or kidnapped to be murdered. I don't feel safe in broad daylight in public or in my own home. Last week a vehicle drove behind me for blocks and when I arrived at the store they drove there too, I was convinced the driver wanted to shoot me. I locked my doors and accepted that I would die, in the parking lot. My fiance would wonder why I never came home, or worse, they would find him and kill him too. In these moments I am utterly terrified and convinced that I'm going to die.

  These waves of extreme fear wash over me at random times, no matter where I am or what I'm doing. However, it's much worse in public and when I'm driving. I know it's related to the trauma but I don't know what to do. I've never been more afraid than I am when this is happening. Does anyone else experience this? Any advice would be appreciated.