Christmas Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
One young woman is looking forward to seeing her family this Christmas, but says one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her hearing protection - particularly at the holiday meal.
For the 23-year-old, the holidays can be a especially challenging season as the sounds of other people chewing, slurping and sniffling make her feel profound anxiety.
"There's this sensation of sudden panic, my whole body will just tighten and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these noises."
The individual has suffered from sound sensitivity since she was 16 and for her that causes the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly those produced by individuals.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. A study discovered nearly 20% people suffer from it.
Often it's sounds associated with mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, including things like crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
Triggering Stress
She explains: "I face so many various auditory triggers at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you fear it.
"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a internal conflict of managing my symptoms to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the traditionally happy period can quickly turn into a source of agony for those with the condition.
Sounds that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can cause a visceral feeling that can even result in them avoiding social settings altogether.
She, a university student, who has dealt with misophonia since aged 10, says the approach she intends to use is to put her earphones in to cope. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a separate space to minimize distressing triggers.
She says her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "difficult".
"There's an expectation to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"It's like this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel stressed and begin to weep and then panic will take over.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's difficult to convey if you haven't felt it."
Three Ways to Cope
If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can try to cope the situation, based on advice from experts.
- Visualise an Alternative: Imagination is key. Work on connecting the specific noise bothering you with an unrelated image. As an illustration, try to picture someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you poses no threat.
- Use Humor: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a game involving the source. As an example, if someone is crunching loudly try joining in. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an engaged person. And the game aspect should help shift your attention and make you a little less affected.
- Develop a Narrative: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone making the noise is behaving that way. Imagine if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not in good health or could be emotional. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your interpretation of it shifts from being aggravating, to feeling a little more neutral towards it.
