The Holiday Season Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Those with Misophonia.
Lottie anticipates seeing her relatives during the festive period, but admits a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by relying on her hearing protection - notably for the holiday meal.
For the 23-year-old, this time of year often feels like a especially challenging period as the noises of people eating, sipping loudly and breathing heavily trigger profound anxiety.
"There's this sensation of immediate anxiety, my every muscle will just tighten and it feels like I'm in peril, and I need to manage these triggers."
Lottie has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the festive season "deeply taxing".
Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to particular auditory triggers, especially noises coming from those around you.
It's surprisingly common across the population. Experts discovered a significant portion of people are affected by it.
Typically it's noises connected to mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, as well as examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and repetitive finger tapping.
'Anxiety Inducing'
She explains: "There are so many assorted problematic noises at the holidays and that can be stressful and make you want to avoid it.
"Those close to me are supportive, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a constant struggle of managing my symptoms to guarantee the event goes smoothly."
So it's easy to understand why the most wonderful period can quickly turn into a living nightmare for sufferers.
Triggers that may seem harmless, like someone drinking champagne, rustling a roll of wrapping paper, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can provoke a strong emotional response that can even cause them avoiding social settings altogether.
The student, a 21-year-old student, who has experienced sound sensitivity from childhood, explains the approach she intends to use is to listen to music to manage the meal. Usually, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to avoid distressing triggers.
She explains her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so Christmas is always "difficult".
"There is pressure to spend time with loved ones, and I desire to, but it's physically and mentally challenging.
"I feel as if this sudden rage washes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel stressed and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will kick in.
"It can come across as if I'm being oversensitive and melodramatic, but it's difficult to convey without firsthand experience."
A Few Techniques to Handle It
If it's an issue then there are some different techniques you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by specialists.
- Imagine an Alternative: Mental imagery is essential. Attempt to link the particular sound affecting you with a neutral concept. For instance, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a waterfall. This technique is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you poses no threat.
- Use Humor: Use lightheartedness and make the irritating noise into a game with the person. For example, if someone is crunching loudly attempt copying the noise. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an willing part. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you somewhat less sensitive.
- Craft a Story: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about why the person creating the sound is doing it. So if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not in good health or maybe they're upset. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. While the noise doesn't change, your reaction of it shifts from being irritating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.
