I'm kind of the opposite in that I find being in the world at large far harder than being by myself at home. That said I am super-sensitive to external noise,

I'm kind of the opposite in that I find being in the world at large far harder than being by myself at home. That said I am super-sensitive to external noise, especially my neighbour's dogs barking. My 'office' is also at the front of the house so any passing car (hardly any) can also irritate me. My experience of watching my responses to external stimuli is that it all seems to depend on my underlying mood. ie. On a 'good' day I barely notice the dogs, but on a bad day it's like being flayed alive! My feeling therefore is that the loneliness you mention could be why the noise is affecting you so much. Here in Australia we are getting lots of TV ads about mental health and getting support, so it may help to visit your normal doctor, discuss it with them. and review your options. I did.