Christmas Can Be a Terrifying Experience for Those with Misophonia.

Lottie hopes for being with her relatives over the holidays, but says one of the only ways she'll manage to get through it is by wearing her noise-cancelling devices - notably for the holiday meal.

For the 23-year-old, this time of year often feels like a notably tough period as the auditory triggers of people eating, slurping and nose-blowing make her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"There's this feeling of instant dread, my whole body will just freeze and it feels like I'm in a threatening situation, and I need to stop these noises."

She has experienced sound sensitivity for several years and for her that renders the holiday period "incredibly overwhelming".

Misophonia is an intense sensitivity to particular auditory triggers, notably sounds produced by other people.

It is prevalent across the population. A study reported nearly 20% people experience it.

Often it's sounds linked to mouth, throat or facial movements that cause distress, along with things like chewing, breathing, and foot tapping.

Triggering Stress

Lottie says: "You encounter so many assorted problematic noises at Christmas and that can be anxiety inducing and make you want to avoid it.

"My family are supportive, but I'm very conscious that I don't want to make other people feel uncomfortable. It's like a really big battle of enduring my distress to ensure the event goes smoothly."

So it's clear why the traditionally happy time of the year can transform into a source of agony for those with the condition.

Noises that may be considered normal, like someone sipping a beverage, unwrapping gifts, or eating the holiday meal can cause a powerful reaction that can even lead to them withdrawing from gatherings.

She, a young adult, who has dealt with misophonia from childhood, says her strategy is to put her earphones in to get through dinner. On any other day, she would often retreat in a different room to minimize distressing triggers.

She explains her sensitivity is worse around people she's closest to, so the holidays is always "challenging".

"People assume you to spend time with family, and I want to, but it's draining.

"It's like this sudden rage comes over me, which can feel embarrassing, or I'll feel panicked and begin to weep and then fight-or-flight will kick in.

"It can come across as if I'm being difficult and overreacting, but it's difficult to convey if you haven't felt it."

Three Ways to Handle It

If it's an issue then there are various strategies you can attempt to manage the situation, according to clinical psychologists.

1. Imagine an Alternative: Mental imagery is crucial. Try to associate the specific noise bothering you with something completely different. So for example, 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. Make it a Game: Use lightheartedness and turn the annoying sound into a game involving the source. As an example, if someone is crunching loudly have a go at joining in. By joining in, instead of feeling like the sound is unwanted, you become an willing part. And the game aspect should help redirect your focus and make you a little less affected.
3. Develop a Narrative: One more method is to try to create a little story about why the person creating the sound is having to make that sound. So if someone was sniffing, perhaps they're not in good health or are troubled. By doing this is re-framing the context of the sound. Although the sound doesn't change, your interpretation of it changes from being aggravating, to feeling a slightly more compassionate about it.