The Holiday Season Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old hopes for seeing her loved ones during the festive period, but says a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her hearing protection - particularly at the main festive feast.
For the 23-year-old, this time of year often feels like a especially challenging time as the sounds of other people chewing, sipping loudly and breathing heavily cause her profound anxiety.
"I experience this feeling of instant dread, my entire being will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to somehow control these sounds."
She has experienced this condition for several years and for her that renders the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to specific noises, particularly those coming from individuals.
It is prevalent in the UK. Researchers discovered almost one in five people are affected by it.
Often it's noises linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, along with things like chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
A Source of Dread
Lottie says: "I face so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be stressful and make you want to avoid it.
"My family are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a constant struggle of enduring my distress to guarantee the event goes smoothly."
So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful period can transform into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.
Noises that may be considered normal, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can cause a powerful reaction that can even result in them skipping events entirely.
She, a young adult, who has dealt with sound sensitivity since aged 10, says currently her plan is to put her earphones in to manage the meal. Usually, she would often retreat in a quiet area to minimize distressing triggers.
She explains her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "hard".
"People assume you to spend time with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.
"The sensation is this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel stressed and begin to weep and then panic will take over.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."
Three Ways to Manage
For those affected then there are some different techniques you can attempt to manage the situation, according to specialists.
- Imagine a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is essential. Try to associate the triggering sound causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to imagine someone's noisy drinking is just a gentle stream. By doing this is to teach your brain that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a competition involving the source. As an example, if someone is eating noisily attempt joining in. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Develop a Narrative: Another technique is to try to invent a reason about the reason someone making the noise is doing it. For example if someone was making a nasal sound, it could be that they're not in good health or could be emotional. The idea is re-framing the context of the sound. Even though the noise stays the same, your reaction of it moves from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.
