Yuletide Often Proves to Be a Living Hell for Those with Misophonia.
A 23-year-old anticipates being with her family over the holidays, but admits one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by using her noise-cancelling devices - particularly at the main festive feast.
For her, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time as the sounds of family members munching, drinking noisily and sniffling cause her profound anxiety.
"I experience this wave of sudden panic, my every muscle will just tense up and it feels like I'm in danger, and I need to somehow control these noises."
The individual has experienced sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that renders the festive season "incredibly overwhelming".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly those produced by those around you.
The condition is widespread amongst adults. Experts found almost one in five people experience it.
Frequently it's sounds linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that lead to discomfort, along with things like chewing, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you dread it.
"Those close to me are aware, but I'm very aware that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to ensure everyone else is happy."
So it's clear why the traditionally happy period can transform into a source of agony for affected individuals.
Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can cause a powerful reaction that can even cause them withdrawing from gatherings.
Jenna, a university student, who has dealt with misophonia since aged 10, states currently her plan is to use headphones to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a quiet area to minimize distressing triggers.
She explains her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to be around family, and I desire to, but it's draining.
"It's like this intense irritation comes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will activate.
"To others it appears as if I'm being unreasonable and dramatic, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."
Several Strategies to Cope
If it's an issue then there are some different techniques you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Picture an Alternative: Imagination is essential. Attempt to link the specific noise affecting you with an unrelated image. As an illustration, try to envision someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a game with the culprit. As an example, if someone is eating noisily have a go at mimicking the sound. Through participation, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an active participant. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone making the noise is behaving that way. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not feeling well or maybe they're upset. This approach is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the noise doesn't change, your interpretation of it changes from being annoying, to feeling a little more neutral about it.
