Christmas Often Proves to Be a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
One young woman anticipates being with her relatives over the holidays, but says a key strategy she'll cope is by wearing her hearing protection - notably for the holiday meal.
In her case, Christmas is a particularly difficult time as the sounds of other people chewing, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her intense distress.
"There's this sensation of instant dread, my entire being will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to manage these sounds."
The individual has experienced this condition for several years and for her that renders the Christmas time "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to specific noises, particularly those produced by those around you.
The condition is widespread amongst adults. Researchers discovered a significant portion of people experience it.
Typically it's sounds linked to bodily functions that trigger a reaction, as well as things like crunching, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "You encounter so many various auditory triggers at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.
"My family are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a constant struggle of enduring my distress to guarantee others enjoy themselves."
So it's clear why the most wonderful period can rapidly become a source of agony for affected individuals.
Sounds that may appear innocuous, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, unwrapping gifts, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can cause a visceral feeling that can even cause them withdrawing from gatherings.
Jenna, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced misophonia for over a decade, explains currently her plan is to put her earphones in to cope. Usually, she would often retreat in a separate space to avoid distressing triggers.
She explains her condition is more intense around people she's most familiar with, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"People assume you to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"It's like this uncontrollable anger takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will take over.
"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."
A Few Techniques to Cope
For those affected then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Imagine Something Else: Mental imagery is crucial. Try to associate the particular sound causing distress with something completely different. So for example, try to picture someone's slurping is just a waterfall. By doing this is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
- Use Humor: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a challenge with the person. For example, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an willing part. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to invent a reason about why the person making the noise is behaving that way. For example if someone was making a nasal sound, it could be that they're not in good health or maybe they're upset. By doing this is altering the perception of the sound. Even though the noise remains identical, your interpretation of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.
