Yuletide Transforms Into a Living Hell for Misophonia Sufferers.

A 23-year-old hopes for spending time with her family this Christmas, but says a primary method she'll cope is by using her hearing protection - notably for Christmas dinner.

For the 23-year-old, the holidays often feels like a notably tough season as the noises of people eating, slurping and nose-blowing cause her intense distress.

"There's this feeling of sudden panic, my entire being will just tighten and it feels like I'm in danger, and I need to somehow control these triggers."

She has experienced misophonia for several years and for her that causes the Christmas time "incredibly overwhelming".

Misophonia is a decreased threshold to specific noises, especially noises made by individuals.

The condition is widespread in the UK. Researchers found almost one in five people suffer from it.

Often it's sounds connected to bodily functions that cause distress, including things like chewing, breathing, and foot tapping.

Triggering Stress

Lottie says: "There are so many different triggering sounds at Christmas and that can be stressful and make you dread 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 sacrificing my own sanity to make sure others enjoy themselves."

So it's clear why the traditionally happy season can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal for those with the condition.

Noises that may seem harmless, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can trigger a strong emotional response that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

She, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with sound sensitivity for over a decade, states her strategy is to use headphones to cope. Usually, she would frequently go in a quiet area to minimize triggering sounds.

She notes her sensitivity is more pronounced around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "challenging".

"There's an expectation to spend time with family, and I wish to, but it's draining.

"The sensation is this uncontrollable anger washes over me, which can feel awkward, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then panic will kick in.

"To others it appears as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe without firsthand experience."

A Few Techniques to Cope

If it's an issue then there are some different techniques you can try to cope the situation, according to clinical psychologists.

1. Visualise an Alternative: Imagination is essential. Try to associate the particular sound causing distress with a neutral concept. As an illustration, try to picture someone's slurping is just a waterfall. This technique is to help your brain learn that the sound affecting you is neutral.
2. Use Humor: Introduce playfulness and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. As an example, if someone is eating noisily have a go at copying the noise. By mimicking, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the competition element should help shift your attention and make you slightly more tolerant.
3. Craft a Story: A further strategy is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is doing it. For example if someone was sniffing, maybe they are not feeling well or could be emotional. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Even though the sound stays the same, your understanding of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.