The Holiday Season Transforms Into a Nightmare for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old is looking forward to spending time with her loved ones over the holidays, but notes a primary method she'll endure is by using her earplugs - especially during the holiday meal.
In her case, this time of year often feels like a particularly difficult period as the sounds of family members munching, sipping loudly and sniffling trigger intense distress.
"There's this wave of instant dread, my whole body will just freeze and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these noises."
She has lived with misophonia for several years and for her that makes the Christmas time "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, notably sounds produced by other people.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Researchers discovered nearly 20% people experience it.
Often it's sounds linked to eating or drinking that cause distress, as well as examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
Lottie says: "There are so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be stressful and make you dread it.
"My relatives are understanding, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of enduring my distress to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the most wonderful period can transform into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.
Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or enjoying festive food can trigger a powerful reaction that can even lead to them skipping events entirely.
Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with misophonia from childhood, states her strategy is to listen to music to cope. Typically, she would often retreat in a separate space to minimize triggering sounds.
She explains her sensitivity is more intense around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "challenging".
"People assume you to be around loved ones, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"I feel as if this uncontrollable anger comes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and burst into tears and then fight-or-flight will kick in.
"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's difficult to convey unless you've experienced it."
A Few Techniques to Handle It
If you suffer then there are a few methods you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Picture Something Else: Imagination is key. Try to associate the specific noise bothering you with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a gentle stream. The goal 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 person. For example, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at copying the noise. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Create a Scenario: Another technique is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. For example if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not at their best or are troubled. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. Although the noise stays the same, your reaction of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
