Hi guys, 

my anxiety has worsened during the last month, and the thing that bothers me the most is that I'm very aware of all the sounds, especially when I'm home relaxing after work.

I hear every step, every movement in the house - if my housemates open a fridge, close a door, put on a kettle, etc. Not only it bothers me, but I also suddenly feel very afraid because of these sounds, my heart beats too fast and I'm genually scared. I also feel almost angry at my housemates, totally irrationally of course.

I've tried earplugs and headphones, but they don't block the sounds 100%. With them, when I hear that something is happening, I can't identify a sound right away, and it makes me way way more anxious. I can't even watch a video with both earbuds in, because I still hear the surrounding sounds, but I'm not sure what is happening, I can't stand it.

When I'm working in the office, I'm not so sensitive to the surroundings. I notice if someone e.g. opens a door, but I don't react to it.

I don't know if it's relevant, but for the last months it's much easier for me to fall asleep while listening to podcasts, so usually I fall asleep with an earbud in one ear.

I was prescribed Xanax, but it has strong side effects for me, so I'm going to try another medication soon.

Is there anything I can do in the meantime?

Thank you for any advice.