Christmas Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.
Lottie hopes for being with her family during the festive period, but notes a key strategy she'll endure is by relying on her noise-cancelling devices - especially during the main festive feast.
In her case, Christmas often feels like a especially challenging season as the noises of other people chewing, slurping and nose-blowing make her feel extremely uncomfortable.
"I experience this sensation of instant dread, my whole body will just tense up and it feels like I'm in danger, and I need to manage these sounds."
The individual has experienced this condition since she was 16 and for her that causes the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to particular auditory triggers, particularly those coming from other people.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Experts reported nearly 20% people are affected by it.
Frequently it's noises associated with bodily functions that cause distress, as well as examples such as chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
Triggering Stress
The sufferer notes: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.
"My relatives are aware, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to make sure the event goes smoothly."
So it's clear why the most wonderful time of the year can rapidly become a living nightmare for those with the condition.
Sounds that may be considered normal, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a powerful reaction that can even cause them avoiding social settings altogether.
She, a 21-year-old student, who has struggled with sound sensitivity since aged 10, says currently her plan is to listen to music to manage the meal. On any other day, she would frequently go in a separate space to escape problematic noises.
She notes her condition is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "hard".
"There is pressure to socialize with family, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"The sensation is this sudden rage 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 difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe if you haven't felt it."
A Few Techniques to Handle It
If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, according to clinical psychologists.
- Visualise an Alternative: Mental imagery is crucial. Try to associate the triggering sound affecting you with something completely different. So for example, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
- Make it a Game: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a challenge involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly try copying the noise. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an engaged person. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
- Develop a Narrative: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about the reason someone making the noise is doing it. For example if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not at their best or could be emotional. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. Although the sound stays the same, your interpretation of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral towards it.
