What are some ways to contain really bad anxiety in public places without having to make it obvious or leave the room?

I heard that sniffing certain essential oils are very helpful also maybe reading a few positive affirmations that you keep on you at all times would be helpful. There are also breathing exercises that you can do.

If I'm feeling anxious, chewing gum helps for me. It helps calm my body down, and on the plus side you will have fresh breath!

You can try different breathing techniques, that help you calm down. Something I always do is find 5 things I can touch (not literally, but technically), 4 things I can smell, 3 things I can hear, 2 things I can see and 1 thing I could taste (just in my head).

Take deep breathes and try sitting down for a minute and think of your happy place try to take your mind off of it

grip your hands together firmly the more anxious you get the firmer you grip will get this will also give you another focus

Count 5 things you can see. Count 4 things you can touch. Count 3 things you can smell. Count 2 things you can taste.

Breathing in and out, and then focusing on something other than the anxiety usually helps. Focus on something peaceful, or just zone out at a simple item

Here is a simple anxiety attack first aid technique that will take just a minute. I can't promise it will work, but it might be worth a try. It's called belly breathing. Sit comfortably. Close your eyes if you can. If you can't, just try to focus on a neutral object. Inhale slowly to the count of 3, letting the diaphragm expand away from your body. Exhale slowly to the count of 3, letting the diaphragm move back to your body. Do this a few times, then check in with your anxiety. Better?

Sit down, close your eyes, breath deeply and think about a happy or calm place if possible. Or else, listen to music, message a friend, or play a game on your phone. If the situation is a little formal, staring into space might help

Anxiety can be really tough to deal with and I think everyone has their own coping strategies. For me I try and 'ground' myself. So I'll count backwards in my head and focus on that, or I'll focus on my surroundings and every detail around me. It helps me feel more in control.