Christmas Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old is looking forward to spending time with her relatives during the festive period, but says one of the only ways she'll endure is by relying on her earplugs - notably for Christmas dinner.
For her, Christmas is a particularly difficult season as the auditory triggers of other people chewing, drinking noisily and sniffling make her feel profound anxiety.
"I get this wave of immediate anxiety, my entire being will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these triggers."
Lottie has lived with sound sensitivity for several years and for her that renders the holiday period "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to specific noises, particularly those produced by other people.
It is prevalent across the population. A study discovered nearly 20% people experience it.
Frequently it's sounds linked to bodily functions that cause distress, including examples such as crunching, breathing, and foot tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
Lottie says: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you want to avoid it.
"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a internal conflict of managing my symptoms to guarantee others enjoy themselves."
So it's clear why the most wonderful period can rapidly become a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.
Sounds that may appear innocuous, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or enjoying festive food can trigger a powerful reaction that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.
Jenna, a young adult, who has experienced sound sensitivity for over a decade, states currently her plan is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. Usually, she would frequently go in a different room to avoid triggering sounds.
She notes her misophonia is worse around people she's most familiar with, so Christmas is always "hard".
"There's an expectation to spend time with loved ones, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"It's like this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and burst into tears and then panic will take over.
"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and melodramatic, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."
Three Ways to Handle It
If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by experts.
- Picture an Alternative: Imagination is essential. Work on connecting the specific noise causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to envision someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. This technique is to retrain your mind that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
- Try a Competition: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a game with the culprit. As an example, if someone is eating noisily have a go at copying the noise. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone making the noise is doing it. Imagine if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not feeling well or could be emotional. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise doesn't change, your interpretation of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
