The Holiday Season Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Those with Misophonia.

A 23-year-old anticipates seeing her family this Christmas, but notes one of the only ways she'll cope is by wearing her earplugs - particularly at the main festive feast.

In her case, the holidays often feels like a particularly difficult season as the noises of other people chewing, slurping and breathing heavily cause her intense distress.

"There's this feeling of immediate anxiety, my every muscle will just tense up and it feels like I'm in peril, and I need to manage these noises."

Lottie has suffered from this condition for several years and for her that renders the festive season "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to specific noises, particularly those made by other people.

It's surprisingly common in the UK. A study reported a significant portion of people suffer from it.

Frequently it's sounds associated with bodily functions that trigger a reaction, including examples such as chewing, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.

A Source of Dread

The sufferer notes: "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 aware that I don't want to spoil the mood. It's like a really big battle of sacrificing my own sanity to make sure others enjoy themselves."

So it's easy to understand why the supposedly joyous period can transform into a source of agony for those with the condition.

Sounds that may seem harmless, like someone sipping a beverage, opening presents, or tucking into a Christmas dinner can trigger a strong emotional response that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.

The student, a 21-year-old student, who has dealt with misophonia for over a decade, states her strategy is to use headphones to get through dinner. On any other day, she would usually isolate herself in a quiet area to minimize triggering sounds.

She explains her misophonia is more pronounced around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "difficult".

"There's an expectation to socialize with loved ones, and I want 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 anxious and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will kick in.

"To others it appears as if I'm being oversensitive and melodramatic, but it's hard to explain if you haven't felt it."

Three Ways to Handle It

If it's an issue then there are a few methods you can attempt to manage the situation, according to specialists.

1. Imagine an Alternative: Mental imagery is crucial. Work on connecting the triggering sound bothering you with a neutral concept. So for example, try to envision someone's slurping is just a sink draining water. By doing this is to teach your brain that the sound triggering you isn't harmful.
2. Try a Competition: Introduce playfulness and turn the annoying sound into a challenge with the person. As an example, if someone is eating noisily attempt copying the noise. By joining in, rather than feeling like the sound is being imposed on you, you become an active participant. And the competition element should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
3. Develop a Narrative: Another technique is to try to fabricate an explanation about the reason someone creating the sound is having to make that sound. So if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not at their best or could be emotional. By doing this is changing the meaning of the sound. Even though the sound remains identical, your interpretation of it changes from being irritating, to feeling a little more neutral about it.