Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.

One young woman anticipates being with her family over the holidays, but notes a primary method she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her hearing protection - especially during the holiday meal.

For the 23-year-old, Christmas often feels like a notably tough period as the sounds of family members munching, drinking noisily and breathing heavily make her feel profound anxiety.

"There's this sensation of instant dread, my every muscle will just freeze and it feels like I'm in peril, and I need to stop these sounds."

She has experienced this condition for several years and for her that makes the festive season "deeply taxing".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, notably sounds produced by other people.

The condition is widespread across the population. Researchers found almost one in five people are affected by it.

Often it's noises linked to bodily functions that trigger a reaction, along with things like crunching, breathing, and pen clicking.

'Anxiety Inducing'

The sufferer notes: "There are so many various auditory triggers at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you fear it.

"Those close to me are supportive, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of managing my symptoms to make sure the event goes smoothly."

So it's obvious why the traditionally happy time of the year can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.

Noises that may seem harmless, like someone slurping a Buck's fizz, opening presents, or enjoying festive food can provoke a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

Jenna, a young adult, who has struggled with misophonia from childhood, states currently her plan is to listen to music to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a different room to minimize triggering sounds.

She explains her condition is more pronounced around people she's most familiar with, so the holidays is always "challenging".

"People assume you to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's draining.

"The sensation is this uncontrollable anger comes over me, 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 difficult and overreacting, but it's hard to explain if you haven't felt it."

A Few Techniques to Cope

If it's an issue then there are some different techniques you can use to handle the situation, as suggested by experts.

1. Picture an Alternative: Creative thinking is essential. Attempt to link the specific noise causing distress with an unrelated image. For instance, try to imagine someone's slurping is just a waterfall. The goal is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you is neutral.
2. Use Humor: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. For instance, if someone is eating noisily attempt copying the noise. 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 a little less affected.
3. Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about why the person making the noise is behaving that way. So if someone was making a nasal sound, it could be that they're not at their best or could be emotional. The idea is changing the meaning of the sound. While the sound remains identical, your interpretation of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.