Christmas Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
One young woman anticipates being with her family this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll endure is by relying on her noise-cancelling devices - particularly at the main festive feast.
In her case, this time of year often feels like a particularly difficult period as the noises of family members munching, drinking noisily and breathing heavily cause her profound anxiety.
"There's this feeling of sudden panic, my every muscle will just tense up and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to stop these noises."
The individual has experienced sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that renders the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, particularly those produced by other people.
The condition is widespread amongst adults. Researchers found nearly 20% people suffer from it.
Typically it's sounds linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, along with examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
The sufferer notes: "There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you dread it.
"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to ensure the event goes smoothly."
So it's easy to understand why the traditionally happy period can transform into a living nightmare for those with the condition.
Noises that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can provoke a visceral feeling that can even cause them skipping events entirely.
The student, a young adult, who has struggled with misophonia from childhood, states her strategy is to use headphones to get through dinner. On any other day, she would often retreat in a separate space to minimize distressing triggers.
She explains her sensitivity is more intense around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "difficult".
"There is pressure to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.
"The sensation is this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will activate.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and melodramatic, but it's hard to explain 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 specialists.
- Visualise a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is essential. Attempt to link the specific noise causing distress with an unrelated image. For instance, try to picture someone's slurping is just a waterfall. This technique is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you poses no threat.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a challenge with the culprit. For example, if someone is eating noisily have a go at joining in. By mimicking, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help distract your brain and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Develop a Narrative: Another technique is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not at their best or maybe they're upset. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. While the noise remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being aggravating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.
