The Holiday Season Often Proves to Be a Nightmare for Those with Misophonia.
Lottie anticipates spending time with her relatives during the festive period, but admits a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her noise-cancelling devices - especially during the holiday meal.
In her case, the holidays can be a especially challenging season as the noises of family members munching, sipping loudly and breathing heavily trigger profound anxiety.
"I experience this wave of sudden panic, my every muscle will just tighten and it seems as if I'm in peril, and I need to somehow control these noises."
The individual has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, particularly those made by those around you.
It's surprisingly common amongst adults. A study reported nearly 20% people experience it.
Typically it's noises associated with mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
Lottie says: "There are so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas 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 upset others. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to make sure others enjoy themselves."
So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into a living nightmare for sufferers.
Sounds that may be considered normal, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can trigger a visceral feeling that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a young adult, who has dealt with misophonia for over a decade, states her strategy is to put her earphones in to cope. On any other day, she would frequently go in a different room to escape distressing triggers.
She explains her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "difficult".
"People assume you to spend time with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"It's like this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and begin to weep and then panic will take over.
"It may seem as if I'm being oversensitive and dramatic, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."
A Few Techniques to Manage
If you suffer then there are a few methods you can try to cope the situation, according to specialists.
- Imagine a Different Scenario: Mental imagery is key. Attempt to link the specific noise bothering you with something completely different. As an illustration, try to imagine someone's noisy drinking is just a gentle stream. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a challenge with the culprit. For instance, if someone is crunching loudly attempt copying the noise. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you slightly more tolerant.
- Create a Scenario: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about why the person making the noise is having to make that sound. For example if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not feeling well or are troubled. This approach is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise remains identical, your interpretation of it moves from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral towards it.
