Yuletide Transforms Into a Terrifying Experience for Misophonia Sufferers.

One young woman is looking forward to spending time with her family over the holidays, but admits one of the only ways she'll cope is by relying on her hearing protection - especially during the holiday meal.

For her, the holidays is a notably tough time as the noises of other people chewing, slurping and sniffling cause her intense distress.

"I experience this wave of instant dread, my entire being will just tighten and it feels like I'm in peril, and I need to somehow control these noises."

Lottie has experienced sound sensitivity from a young age and for her that causes the holiday period "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to certain sounds, particularly those coming from other people.

It's surprisingly common across the population. A study discovered almost one in five people are affected by it.

Typically it's sounds linked to eating or drinking that cause distress, as well as things like chewing, heavy breathing, and pen clicking.

Triggering Stress

The sufferer notes: "There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be daunting and make you want to avoid it.

"My relatives are understanding, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a internal conflict of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure others enjoy themselves."

So it's clear why the most wonderful season can rapidly become a living nightmare for affected individuals.

Sounds that may appear innocuous, like someone drinking champagne, unwrapping gifts, or eating the holiday meal can cause a strong emotional response that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

The student, a 21-year-old student, who has struggled with misophonia since aged 10, states the approach she intends to use is to put her earphones in to cope. On any other day, she would often retreat in a different room to avoid distressing triggers.

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

"There's an expectation to be around loved ones, and I wish to, but it's exhausting on all levels.

"I feel as if this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel shameful, or I'll feel anxious and immediately start crying and then fight-or-flight will kick in.

"It may seem as if I'm being unreasonable and overreacting, but it's tough to describe without firsthand experience."

Three Ways to Cope

If you suffer then there are various strategies you can try to cope the situation, as suggested by clinical psychologists.

1. Imagine an Alternative: Imagination is key. Try to associate the triggering sound causing distress with something completely different. As an illustration, try to envision someone's slurping is just a waterfall. The goal is to teach your brain that the sound affecting you poses no threat.
2. Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and make the irritating noise into a game with the culprit. For example, if someone is crunching loudly try joining in. Through participation, instead of feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the challenge should help shift your attention and make you somewhat less sensitive.
3. Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about the reason someone creating the sound is behaving that way. 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. Even though the sound stays the same, your understanding of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate towards it.