Yuletide Transforms Into a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old is looking forward to spending time with her loved ones during the festive period, but says one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by using her earplugs - particularly at the holiday meal.
In her case, this time of year can be a particularly difficult time as the noises of family members munching, slurping and breathing heavily trigger intense distress.
"There's this sensation of immediate anxiety, my entire being will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these sounds."
The individual has experienced misophonia from a young age and for her that renders the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to particular auditory triggers, especially noises made by other people.
The condition is widespread in the UK. Researchers discovered a significant portion of people are affected by it.
Often it's noises connected to eating or drinking that cause distress, including examples such as chewing, breathing, and pen clicking.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.
"My relatives are supportive, but I'm very aware that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to ensure everyone else is happy."
So it's clear why the supposedly joyous season can quickly turn into a living nightmare for those with the condition.
Noises that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can trigger a powerful reaction that can even cause them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a young adult, who has struggled with sound sensitivity since aged 10, states currently her plan is to listen to music to manage the meal. On any other day, she would often retreat in a separate space to minimize problematic noises.
She notes her condition is more intense around people she's most comfortable with, so Christmas is always "hard".
"There is pressure to spend time with family, and I wish to, but it's draining.
"It's like this uncontrollable anger washes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will kick in.
"It may seem as if I'm being unreasonable and melodramatic, but it's difficult to convey if you haven't felt it."
Three Ways to Manage
If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Imagine Something Else: Creative thinking is crucial. Try to associate the specific noise bothering you with an unrelated image. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a waterfall. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you is neutral.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a challenge with the culprit. For example, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you a little less affected.
- Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is doing it. For example if someone was making a nasal sound, maybe they are not at their best or could be emotional. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. Although the sound remains identical, your interpretation of it moves from being aggravating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
