I have severe anxiety in crowds of people. Mine gets worse as I age too.
My mom wants to go shopping every day. I sit outside and smoke until she is done.
I don't talk to people, I just simply nod.

I also had a good job. I felt like everyone there was against me. They had food for the employees sometimes. I felt like they were trying to poison me, so I didn't eat the food.
Eventually I was fired because I couldn't function on the job.

I hope that doesn't happen to you. You could try meditation, but it doesn't work for everyone. I would suggest a couple sessions of hypnosis. I hope you can find your path to freedom. Good luck.