Christmas Often Proves to Be a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old anticipates being with her loved ones this Christmas, but says one of the only ways she'll cope is by relying on her noise-cancelling devices - especially during the main festive feast.
For her, this time of year can be a especially challenging season as the auditory triggers of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her intense distress.
"There's this wave of sudden panic, my every muscle will just freeze and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to stop these noises."
The individual has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the Christmas time "incredibly overwhelming".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, notably sounds made by individuals.
It is prevalent in the UK. Experts reported nearly 20% people are affected by it.
Typically it's noises connected to bodily functions that lead to discomfort, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and pen clicking.
Triggering Stress
The sufferer notes: "There are so many various auditory triggers at Christmas and that can be stressful and make you fear it.
"My relatives are aware, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to upset others. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to guarantee others enjoy themselves."
So it's easy to understand why the supposedly joyous period can transform into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.
Sounds that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can cause a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.
Jenna, a young adult, who has experienced sound sensitivity from childhood, states currently her plan is to put her earphones in to get through dinner. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to escape triggering sounds.
She says her condition is worse around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "hard".
"People assume you to socialize with loved ones, and I desire to, but it's draining.
"It's like this sudden rage washes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will take over.
"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's hard to explain without firsthand experience."
Several Strategies to Manage
For those affected then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, as suggested by experts.
- Imagine a Different Scenario: Imagination is key. Try to associate the particular sound causing distress with a neutral concept. For instance, try to picture someone's noisy drinking is just a waterfall. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
- Try a Competition: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a competition involving the source. For instance, if someone is eating noisily attempt mimicking the sound. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Create a Scenario: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is doing it. So if someone was sniffing, it could be that they're not at their best or maybe they're upset. This approach is altering the perception of the sound. While the sound stays the same, your interpretation of it shifts from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.
