Yuletide Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old hopes for being with her relatives this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll cope is by wearing her noise-cancelling devices - particularly at the main festive feast.
In her case, this time of year is a especially challenging period as the auditory triggers of family members munching, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her profound anxiety.
"I experience this feeling of immediate anxiety, my every muscle will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these sounds."
She has suffered from this condition from a young age and for her that causes the Christmas time "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, notably sounds produced by those around you.
It's surprisingly common in the UK. A study found nearly 20% people are affected by it.
Often it's noises connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, as well as examples such as chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
A Source of Dread
Lottie says: "There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.
"My relatives are supportive, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of sacrificing my own sanity to guarantee the event goes smoothly."
So it's obvious why the supposedly joyous time of the year can transform into a living nightmare for those with the condition.
Noises that may be considered normal, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can trigger a strong emotional response that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a university student, who has struggled with misophonia for over a decade, states her strategy is to listen to music to cope. Typically, she would usually isolate herself in a separate space to minimize distressing triggers.
She notes her misophonia is worse around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "difficult".
"There's an expectation to socialize with loved ones, and I desire to, but it's draining.
"The sensation is this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will kick in.
"It can come across as if I'm being unreasonable and melodramatic, but it's difficult to convey if you haven't felt it."
A Few Techniques to Cope
If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can try to cope the situation, according to clinical psychologists.
- Imagine an Alternative: Imagination is key. Try to associate the triggering sound bothering you with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. The goal is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you poses no threat.
- Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a game involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly try copying the noise. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the challenge should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. So if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not at their best or maybe they're upset. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Even though the noise remains identical, your interpretation of it changes from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.
