I have the same issue with Snitch but hes just a big baby . I find it happens more when he is really tired but restless. Sounds like a human right?!, he gets stressed out by the lightest noise. It kinda started like your situation and now i have a 2 year old acting like he is 4 weeks old whining all the time. and it seems you have a monster in your dinning room.
Place a few pieces of your cloths around the house, it helps Snitch, like a safe spot and he drags it with him when he moves around.( its just me, hubby and the furbabbies so we dont worry about safety shirts on the floor)
I hope you do get to comfort her and yourself too , i know how stressful it is when they get upset.