Your sight issues sound similar to mine.

My advice is, use a cane when you need to.

Instead of an ID cane, you might consider an guide cane which is longer than an ID so so can be used to detect things outside your field of vision to stop you bumping into them, but shorter than a full long cane so doesn't need more than a few minutes training.

Ah I remember so well how I don't liked to walk with a cane and actually I didn't did it. I did it only when I needed it: at night and low light situations, at times when my vision got blurry, when crossing street (I taken out cane unfolded it 50-100 meters before crossing road to give drivers and others time to reaction) then I folded it back. But often folding strains cord.
At times when I didn't used cane I wore a pin round small sign idk if its international but I saw it in many countries as sign for person that's blind or visually impaired but don't uses cane. It's info symbol for others either this one or white cane its law in many countries.
It's yellow background with 3 black dots. It's available as armbands, backpacks, bandana all type accesories.

If you haven't alredy do certified white canevtraining. I did mine even when I had 20% vision but no night vision left eye fully blind and my visual field was very reduced. Still I didn't identified myself as legally blind even my eye doc told me that for years I was in "normal" school and didn't want to use cane. But it really helped with proper techniques and later when my vision got much worse I was prepared to navigate alone in any situation. Or when there were just no electricity :)

As others said maybe try white cane from Ambutech Slimline and even you can change colors! Customize, personalize it, add charms to feel it more yours or cool stickers, vinyls

It sounds like you're at a point where learning how to use an actual white cane (and learning how to travel safely using tools other than your sight in general) might benefit you, not just an ID cane.

Have you looked into getting orientation and mobility training?

In the mean time, I'll second u/impablomations recommendation. Something like the ambutech slimline cane might be a better choice than a pure ID cane, as you can actually use it to probe stairs, curbs, etc. It also folds up quite small so you can carry it around all the time for when you need it.

Same hear. Once I learned the came keeps me safe and how to use it properly, I found I could walk with my head up again and helped me regain confidence. Most people do not look blind or have "body movements" to signal blindness. Also you will find people not as rude when you ask for help when you have your cane. I decided to start spreading awareness because I used to be blind to blindness from all the tv stigma. Confidence is key...TEACH about blindness, you are special. Walk with your head up, face forward and explain your cane when asked. Don't add to the stigma. It only makes it worse for all VIP's

My vision issues aren't as intense as yours (my peripheral isn't as severe that I know of and flashlights help me a night) but I can 100% relate to your anxiety -- I have been looking into and meaning to get a cane since it was suggested here a few months ago as I've had a lot of depth perception issues with stairs etc and even shopping can get overwhelming if I don't have a cart or a person to use as a sort of guide.

I think the pandemic and knowing O&M is likely more of a wait than normal and all that goes with accepting you need more help than you previously did is tough to accept. At the same time, anything to make your life easier/more accessible is worthwhile.

II can relate to your anxiety. I’ve been legally blind for 40 years and generally manage independently but there are occasions and circumstances when I struggle. Like you, I don’t appear as visually impaired so using a cane made me feel like I was a fraud. So, now I’ve started using an Identity Cane primarily to alert others of my circumstances. Being self conscious about my visual impairment has been the biggest barrier to my ability to live a fuller life. Hopefully your anxiety as well as mine will decrease the more we use what is available to us. Best of luck in your journey.

Same.

I do feel more confident after having some O&M training, but I still feel awkward. I can still drive in limited situations, and sometimes I go somewhere and feel like my cane would be helpful, but then, you know, I just drove a car? Visual impairment is weird.

I used to be in a similar boat growing up, I periodically used id canes at different points in life as I have a good amount of usable vision at least during the day.

What really helped me get over my cane anxiety was first switching from an id cane to a full mobility cane, and the basic orientation and mobility training that comes with it.

I really like being independent when I travel but still after many years am reluctant to use my cane, however I always carry it with me ither in a pocket or in my bag so that it's at easy reach and when I need it I can quickly deploy it.

I agree with what has been said, but I would add a cane will tell others you might have trouble seeing them. For example, if you bump in to someone they might say something insulting to you because they assume you weren't paying attention. If you have a cane, that same person might understand you didn't mean to bump in to them.

Screw the anxiety and get over it. And use a cane. It will help. I think acceptance is important here. Just do it use it and try to get comfortable. You have to admit you’re losing your vision at some point.