Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Those with Misophonia.
Lottie hopes for spending time with her relatives during the festive period, but says a key strategy she'll endure is by relying on her hearing protection - especially during the main festive feast.
In her case, the holidays often feels like a notably tough time as the noises of family members munching, slurping and nose-blowing make her feel profound anxiety.
"I get this sensation of sudden panic, my entire being will just freeze and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these triggers."
The individual has experienced sound sensitivity since she was 16 and for her that makes the festive season "incredibly overwhelming".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, particularly those made by those around you.
It is prevalent in the UK. Researchers reported nearly 20% people experience it.
Typically it's sounds associated with eating or drinking that lead to discomfort, including examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
A Source of Dread
Lottie says: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.
"My family are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to guarantee everyone else is happy."
So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful period can quickly turn into a source of agony for those with the condition.
Noises that may appear innocuous, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or eating the holiday meal can trigger a powerful reaction that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.
The student, a university student, who has dealt with sound sensitivity from childhood, explains the approach she intends to use is to listen to music to get through dinner. Typically, she would often retreat in a different room to avoid distressing triggers.
She explains her misophonia is more intense around people she's most comfortable with, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.
"The sensation is this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then panic will activate.
"It may seem as if I'm being unreasonable and dramatic, but it's hard to explain unless you've experienced it."
Several Strategies to Handle It
If it's an issue then there are a few methods you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by experts.
- Imagine a Different Scenario: Imagination is key. Attempt to link the specific noise causing distress with a neutral concept. So for example, 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: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a challenge with the person. For example, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at joining in. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an engaged person. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Create a Scenario: Another technique is to try to invent a reason about why the person making the noise is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not at their best or maybe they're upset. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. Even though the noise stays the same, your understanding of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
