Christmas Transforms Into a Nightmare for Those with Misophonia.

A 23-year-old is looking forward to seeing her relatives this Christmas, but says a key strategy she'll endure is by using her noise-cancelling devices - particularly at the holiday meal.

For the 23-year-old, this time of year often feels like a notably tough time as the sounds of family members munching, slurping and breathing heavily make her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"I get this feeling of sudden panic, my whole body will just freeze and it as though I'm in danger, and I need to manage these sounds."

The individual has suffered from sound sensitivity for several years and for her that causes the Christmas time "exceptionally stressful".

Misophonia is a reduced tolerance to specific noises, notably sounds coming from other people.

It is prevalent amongst adults. Researchers discovered nearly 20% people suffer from it.

Often it's noises connected to eating or drinking that trigger a reaction, along with examples such as crunching, heavy breathing, and foot tapping.

A Source of Dread

Lottie says: "There are so many different triggering sounds at the holidays and that can be daunting and make you want to avoid it.

"My relatives are aware, but I'm very mindful that I don't want to upset others. It's like a internal conflict of sacrificing my own sanity to guarantee others enjoy themselves."

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

Triggers that may be considered normal, like someone drinking champagne, opening presents, or eating the holiday meal can trigger a visceral feeling that can even result in them withdrawing from gatherings.

She, a university student, who has dealt with sound sensitivity for over a decade, explains currently her plan is to use headphones to get through dinner. Usually, she would usually isolate herself in a separate space to avoid distressing triggers.

She says her condition is more intense around people she's most comfortable with, so the holidays is always "difficult".

"There is pressure to socialize with family, and I desire to, but it's draining.

"I feel as if this intense irritation takes hold, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel anxious and burst into tears and then panic will activate.

"It may seem as if I'm being difficult and dramatic, but it's tough to describe unless you've experienced it."

A Few Techniques to Manage

If you suffer then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, based on advice from clinical psychologists.

1. Visualise an Alternative: Creative thinking is crucial. Work on connecting the particular sound bothering you with a neutral concept. So for example, try to picture someone's slurping is just a gentle stream. By doing this is to help your brain learn that the sound triggering you poses no threat.
2. Use Humor: Have a bit of fun and turn the annoying sound into a competition with the culprit. For instance, if someone is eating noisily have a go at mimicking the sound. By mimicking, rather than feeling like the sound is an attack, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you slightly more tolerant.
3. Create a Scenario: One more method is to try to create a little story about the reason someone making the noise is having to make that sound. Imagine if someone was making a nasal sound, perhaps they're not at their best or are troubled. The idea is altering the perception of the sound. Even though the sound remains identical, your understanding of it moves from being aggravating, to feeling a bit more accepting about it.