Christmas Can Be a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.
A 23-year-old anticipates being with her family this Christmas, but admits one of the only ways she'll endure is by relying on her earplugs - particularly at the main festive feast.
For the 23-year-old, the holidays often feels like a particularly difficult period as the noises of family members munching, slurping and nose-blowing cause her profound anxiety.
"I get this wave of immediate anxiety, my whole body will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in danger, and I need to somehow control these triggers."
She has lived with sound sensitivity for several years and for her that renders the holiday period "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds produced by individuals.
It is prevalent in the UK. Experts found nearly 20% people experience it.
Often it's sounds linked to bodily functions that lead to discomfort, as well as things like chewing, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you fear it.
"Those close to me are understanding, but I'm very aware that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the supposedly joyous period can transform into a source of agony for sufferers.
Noises that may appear innocuous, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or enjoying festive food can trigger a strong emotional response that can even lead to them skipping events entirely.
She, a university student, who has experienced misophonia since aged 10, explains the approach she intends to use is to use headphones to cope. Typically, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to minimize problematic noises.
She notes her misophonia is worse around people she's closest to, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"People assume you to socialize with loved ones, and I want to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"I feel as if this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then panic will kick in.
"It can come across as if I'm being unreasonable and overreacting, but it's hard to explain unless you've experienced it."
Three Ways to Handle It
If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Imagine an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Work on connecting the triggering sound bothering you with something completely different. As an illustration, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a waterfall. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
- Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a competition involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly attempt mimicking the sound. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help redirect your focus and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to invent a reason about why the person creating the sound is having to make that sound. So if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not at their best or could be emotional. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Even though the noise stays the same, your reaction of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.
