Christmas Can Be a Living Hell for Those with Misophonia.
One young woman anticipates being with her family over the holidays, but admits one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her noise-cancelling devices - notably for the main festive feast.
For her, the holidays is a notably tough season as the sounds of other people chewing, sipping loudly and sniffling make her feel intense distress.
"I experience this sensation of instant dread, my entire being will just tense up and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to manage these triggers."
The individual has lived with sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that makes the festive season "incredibly overwhelming".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to specific noises, especially noises made by individuals.
The condition is widespread across the population. A study found nearly 20% people experience it.
Frequently it's noises linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that lead to discomfort, including examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.
Triggering Stress
Lottie says: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be stressful and make you dread it.
"My family are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the traditionally happy time of the year can transform into a stressful ordeal for affected individuals.
Triggers that may appear innocuous, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can trigger a powerful reaction that can even result in them avoiding social settings altogether.
Jenna, a university student, who has struggled with misophonia from childhood, states the approach she intends to use is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to minimize triggering sounds.
She notes her sensitivity is more intense around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "difficult".
"There is pressure to be around family, and I desire to, but it's draining.
"I feel as if this uncontrollable anger washes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will take over.
"It may seem as if I'm being oversensitive and overreacting, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."
Several Strategies to Cope
For those affected then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from specialists.
- Imagine a Different Scenario: Creative thinking is key. Attempt to link the triggering sound affecting you with a neutral concept. For instance, try to picture someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. By doing this is to teach your brain that the sound triggering you is neutral.
- Try a Competition: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a competition with the person. For instance, if someone is eating noisily try joining in. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Create a Scenario: Another technique is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not feeling well or are troubled. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. While the sound doesn't change, your understanding of it moves from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
