Hey there!
Anytime, in my opinion, that your anxiety cripples your ability to function, it is time to go and seek professional help. Go and see your GP and tell him how you are feeling. There are many medications out there that can help you to feel less anxious and help you to lead a more normal life. You do not have to suffer like this!!

I am currently looking for a doctor. I don't know if I should be looking for a therapist or a psychiatrist, or psychologist.

I would search for a therapist who does anxiety therapy. I had the same experience with noises and being startled very easily.

You really need to seek professional help. When your fears keep you housebound it is very serious. You will cut down visiting family,friends this will reduce your supports in community and further decrease your self esteem. Noise and reaction causing stress tells me you are in need of immediate help. Their are some great therapists especially trained in CBT who can help also medication can reduce your anxiety levels

yes i am like that also. it's hard for me to walk down the street because of cars...also a lot of people and noise, causes me to panic at times.

slamming doors, people yelling...too bright of lights...overwhelming smells (perfumes, etc.) set me off.

what i try to do, is leave the house when i can..even if it's just to check the mail..i really do understand what you're going through.

454chev, I used to try to look to friends and family for support but they mostly just treat me like I am some psychopathic alien. It makes me feel worse and further harms my self worth and as a result of their offensive opinions of me I cease to share my thoughts with any of them. I'd rather be alone than listen to people treat me like I live this way intentionally.
I will and am looking for help. I know that I have nothing to lose in seeking professional help at this point. I want to be healthy again.

My dogs barking or my kids arguing set me off. I have always startled easily but I just cant hand the kids and dogs anymore. Christmas vacation is going to be a nightmare, just like thanksgiving was. Hopefully doctor will give me meds to help more than Lexapro

Wow I am glad to find out that I am not alone on this one. i have always had my bad panic attacks triggered my loud noises, crowded areas, bright lights. Then everything gets dizzy, I can't breathe and its too late....

Noises are a big thing with me. They can make me psychotic. I feel as if I am going to explode. My mind is coming unhinged. My mind races and I feel as if I have to hide and if I can't escape I go nuts. I can't think rationally when it is happening. Don't even like thinking about it, ugh.

Oh Gosh, this one is big for me. I am so sorry that your family is not being supportive of you. (((HUGS)) Know that you're not alone in this. (as you can tell) Hopefully you can find a good therapist that can help you out. Mine does wonders for me.
All my best to you.

im so with you. i know exactly how you feel

Yep, when my anxiety is at its worst i am very sensitive to noise. Some one lives above me and when they move about i could scream sometimes and i just want to move to a detatched house with no one else around me. I also just want to curl up into a ball and not get up until i feel better. Why not replace the noise that scares you with noise that you feel comfortable with, like music you can always just put your earphones in and block everything else out, at least you are in control of it then....good luck xxxx

Noise is my number one anxiety trigger, and when it is other people causing it there is no way you can stop it. I hate noise!!

biddy1, I like your advice though I've tried everything in my power. I spent the last year of my life behind ear plugs at home and headphones at work. It is unhealthy. There is only so much music I can listen to. Sometimes I just honestly want quiet around me. I am renting a house now because it is quieter without shared walls but there are still jerks in the neighborhood who blast rap from their cars or slam their doors to their cars, all these things still get to me.