Christmas Transforms Into a Nightmare for Individuals Living with Sound Sensitivity.
One young woman is looking forward to spending time with her loved ones this Christmas, but admits a primary method she'll endure is by using her noise-cancelling devices - notably for Christmas dinner.
In her case, Christmas often feels like a notably tough time as the sounds of people eating, drinking noisily and nose-blowing cause her intense distress.
"I get this sensation of immediate anxiety, my every muscle will just freeze and it as though I'm in danger, and I need to manage these sounds."
The individual has lived with misophonia since she was 16 and for her that renders the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds made by individuals.
It is prevalent in the UK. A study reported a significant portion of people are affected by it.
Often it's noises linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that trigger a reaction, as well as examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.
Triggering Stress
The sufferer notes: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.
"Those close to me are aware, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to make sure the event goes smoothly."
So it's clear why the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into a source of agony for sufferers.
Noises that may seem harmless, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can provoke a strong emotional response that can even cause them withdrawing from gatherings.
She, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with misophonia from childhood, says the approach she intends to use is to use headphones to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a different room to avoid problematic noises.
She explains her condition is more intense around people she's most comfortable with, so Christmas is always "difficult".
"There is pressure to spend time with loved ones, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.
"I feel as if this sudden rage takes hold, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel stressed and burst into tears and then panic will take over.
"It may seem as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's hard to explain if you haven't felt it."
Three Ways to Cope
If you suffer then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Picture an Alternative: Imagination is essential. Try to associate the specific noise bothering you with something completely different. As an illustration, try to picture someone's noisy drinking is just a gentle stream. The goal is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you isn't harmful.
- Make it a Game: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a challenge involving the source. For example, if someone is crunching loudly try mimicking the sound. By joining in, instead of 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: A further strategy is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone creating the sound is doing it. For example if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not at their best or maybe they're upset. By doing this is changing the meaning of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your reaction of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.