i used to freak out if i ever saw someone who looked like my first rapist....i've noticed that recently, i'm doing a lot better.....i understand the anxiety....i have anxiety around my anniversaries and i rarely leave my apartment when they occur.....it's just the way i feel safest.....i think you should do what you're doing, keep yourself safe.....as for toning back your anxiety, just make sure that you don't overanalyze things and try not ot be so paranoid-easier said than done.....if you don't feel safe, protect yourself in any way you can...hope this helped...if you wanna talk, feel free to message me

I deal with the same issues. I was raped by a group of men. Anytime I am walking be it alone or with some one else and there is a group of men around I get scared. I get scared just like you when I am alone and a man is walking towards me or behind me. I just try and take deep breathes and repeat over and over in my head that I am safe and that if I need to I can protect myself. I remind myself too that it is ok to feel uncomfortable, that feeling uncomfortable doesn't mean that someone is going to hurt me. I just keep telling myself that I am safe and ok. Big hugs to you.