Nervous when eating?

I have been having this problem off and on for a while, but lately it's getting worse.
When I sit down to eat a meal, I get nervous after just a few bites in. Sometimes I panic, feeling like I can't swallow, and sometimes I feel naseuous while or just after eating. I make sure to eat slowly and chew my food thoroughly, but nothing I do seems to make a difference.
This happens regardless of what I'm eating: salad, a sandwich, soup, chicken . . . it's so frustrating. I don't know WHY this is happening and it's really beginning to depress me. It used to happen now and then, but lately when I feel "normal" while eating, it's the exception and not the rule.
I'm so tired of thinking and worrying about this. I've done SO much reading and researching online, but I can't find any answers. I've struggled with constipation off and on for many years now and I thought maybe if I'm "backed up" it could be causing me to feel stomach discomfort. But the 'nervousness' I just don't understand.
I just want to be able to eat like a normal person - without worry, anxiety or discofort. Please help. Tweet