Christmas Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.
One young woman hopes for being with her loved ones during the festive period, but admits a key strategy she'll cope is by using her hearing protection - notably for the main festive feast.
For her, this time of year often feels like a notably tough period as the auditory triggers of family members munching, slurping and sniffling cause her extremely uncomfortable.
"There's this feeling of immediate anxiety, my entire being will just tighten and it as though I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to somehow control these sounds."
She has suffered from sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that renders the festive season "exceptionally stressful".
Misophonia is a decreased threshold to particular auditory triggers, especially noises made by individuals.
It's surprisingly common across the population. Experts discovered nearly 20% people experience it.
Typically it's noises connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that lead to discomfort, as well as things like chewing, breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "I face so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you dread it.
"My relatives are aware, but I'm very aware that I don't want to upset others. It's like a internal conflict of sacrificing my own sanity to ensure others enjoy themselves."
So it's obvious why the most wonderful period can transform into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.
Sounds that may be considered normal, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can provoke a powerful reaction that can even lead to them avoiding social settings altogether.
She, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with sound sensitivity for over a decade, explains currently her plan is to listen to music to manage the meal. Typically, she would often retreat in a different room to escape distressing triggers.
She says her misophonia is more intense around people she's most familiar with, so Christmas is always "challenging".
"There is pressure to spend time with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's draining.
"The sensation is this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will take over.
"It may seem as if I'm being unreasonable and melodramatic, but it's tough to describe without firsthand experience."
A Few Techniques to Cope
If you suffer then there are some different techniques you can use to handle the situation, according to specialists.
- Picture a Different Scenario: Imagination is essential. Attempt to link the specific noise bothering you with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
- Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a competition involving the source. As an example, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at copying the noise. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an engaged person. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you a little less affected.
- Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone making the noise is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, it could be that they're not feeling well or could be emotional. By doing this is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise stays the same, your interpretation of it shifts from being annoying, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.
