Yuletide Transforms Into a Nightmare for Those with Misophonia.
A 23-year-old anticipates being with her loved ones this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll cope is by wearing her hearing protection - especially during Christmas dinner.
In her case, the holidays is a notably tough time as the sounds of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing make her feel intense distress.
"I experience this feeling of immediate anxiety, my every muscle will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these noises."
The individual has lived with this condition since she was 16 and for her that makes the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to certain sounds, especially noises produced by those around you.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Experts found nearly 20% people experience it.
Frequently it's sounds connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, as well as examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.
A Source of Dread
She explains: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.
"My family are aware, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure everyone else is happy."
So it's easy to understand why the supposedly joyous season can quickly turn into a living nightmare for those with the condition.
Triggers that may be considered normal, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a visceral feeling that can even lead to them avoiding social settings altogether.
She, a young adult, who has dealt with sound sensitivity for over a decade, says the approach she intends to use is to use headphones to manage the meal. Usually, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to escape distressing triggers.
She explains her condition is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to socialize with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"It's like this uncontrollable anger takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight 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."
A Few Techniques to Cope
If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, according to specialists.
- Visualise a Different Scenario: Imagination is key. Work on connecting the triggering sound affecting you with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to imagine someone's noisy drinking is just a sink draining water. The goal is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a game involving the source. For instance, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at joining in. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about why the person making the noise is doing it. Imagine if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not at their best or maybe they're upset. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. While the noise stays the same, your interpretation of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral towards it.
