Hi Sal, as you can see from the many replies to your message, that lots of people experience similar anxieties about things, especially when they are related to past distressing times, so we understand and support you.
I do agree that we shouldn't let these take over us, though it is not always easy at first to confront these worries. I have faced up to some things and feel stronger for that, however I must confess I'm still not good with going on buses or public transport generally, from some harrassment I suffered in the past from a group of yobs.
I keep telling myself that I can't let a few ars-holes interfere with my life and it annoys the sh-t out of me that I still do a bit, so I know how hard facing up is, but we are all valuable and worthwhile human beings who deserve to feel secure and content, so we must face up to whatever is in the way of us feeling secure and content.
Step by step,day by day, stronger and stronger, Stephen