Yuletide Often Proves to Be a Terrifying Experience for Those with Misophonia.
Lottie is looking forward to being with her loved ones this Christmas, but admits a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her hearing protection - notably for the main festive feast.
In her case, this time of year often feels like a particularly difficult period as the auditory triggers of family members munching, drinking noisily and breathing heavily cause her extremely uncomfortable.
"There's this sensation of instant dread, my whole body will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these noises."
She has suffered from this condition from a young age and for her that causes the Christmas time "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to certain sounds, especially noises produced by individuals.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. Researchers found nearly 20% people are affected by it.
Frequently it's sounds linked to bodily functions that trigger a reaction, including things like chewing, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
The sufferer notes: "There are 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 make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of sacrificing my own sanity to ensure everyone else is happy."
So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into a source of agony for affected individuals.
Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a strong emotional response that can even lead to them skipping events entirely.
Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced sound sensitivity for over a decade, says currently her plan is to use headphones to get through dinner. On any other day, she would frequently go in a quiet area to minimize triggering sounds.
She explains her misophonia is worse around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "hard".
"People assume you to spend time with family, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"The sensation is this intense irritation washes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will take over.
"To others it appears as if I'm being unreasonable and overreacting, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."
Three Ways to Cope
If you suffer then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, based on advice from clinical psychologists.
- Imagine an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Work on connecting the specific noise affecting you with a neutral concept. So for example, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a game with the person. For instance, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to fabricate an explanation about why the person creating the sound is having to make that sound. So if someone was making a nasal sound, maybe they are not feeling well or are troubled. This approach is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the sound remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being irritating, to feeling a bit more accepting towards it.
