You may need help from a therapist who can help you with some of your thoughts about dating before you begin to work on the anxiety. A form of therapy called cognitive therapy can be very helpful. Cognitive therapy is a system that helps us think in patterns that are more productive and can help prevent anticipation of negative consequences and thoughts that make us anxious. Some of our symptoms seem very similar. Anxiety is energy that has no place to go.
Depression is energy that has turned against itself.
People who are depressed lack energy and have problems with self-esteem. They may sleep too much or too little. People with anxiety are nervous and on edge, tense, and they have energy but are unable to focus it in a certain direction. They generally will more likely have difficulty sleeping than sleeping too much. People with anxiety disorders have problems with self-esteem related to their fears and phobias but usually less generalized than one who is depressed.