Misophonia: This man never had a Christmas dinner with his family due to this rare condition

Grayson Whitaker, 19, has lived with

misophonia

since childhood—a

rare condition

that triggers extreme emotional reactions to everyday sounds like breathing, yawning, sniffing, and chewing. For Grayson, these noises provoke overwhelming anger, making it impossible to enjoy

Christmas dinner

with his family.
“I have never had Christmas dinner with my family, so I don’t have those nice memories,” he told The Sun. “I lock myself in my room to avoid the rage. It’s upsetting for my parents—I think it broke them.”
Despite wanting to join his parents Grayson physically cannot handle the sounds. “I’d love to be downstairs with them, but the overwhelming rage keeps me away. I don’t want to take it out on them,” he explained.

What misophonia?

Misophonia is a neurological condition characterized by extreme emotional reactions to specific everyday sounds, often referred to as “

trigger sounds

.” While many people might find certain noises mildly irritating, individuals with misophonia experience intense responses such as anger, disgust, anxiety, or panic. These reactions are involuntary and can significantly impact a person’s daily life and relationships. Grayson has tried various treatments, including therapy and hypnotherapy, but finding a cure remains elusive.

Common trigger sounds are chewing, breathing, sniffing, yawning, or repetitive noises such as pen clicking or keyboard tapping. Even a soft or low-volume trigger can create a chain of emotional and physical symptoms in an affected individual. Those affected often describe racing hearts, muscle tension, difficulty breathing, or feelings of being trapped and losing control.
It typically begins in childhood or adolescence, but its severity varies from one person to another. For some, it will lead to slight discomfort; for others, it might even interfere with personal relationships, social life, or even career choices. A tendency to avoid triggers causes people to become isolated as they avoid situations or persons connected with the sounds.

While the exact cause of misophonia remains unclear, researchers believe it involves abnormal connections between the auditory and emotional processing centers of the brain. Despite its growing recognition, misophonia is still not well understood, and there is no standardized treatment.
Management strategies include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the use of noise-canceling devices to reduce exposure to triggers. Education about the condition can also help loved ones provide support and minimize triggering environments.
Raising awareness about misophonia is essential for improving understanding and fostering empathy. For those living with this condition, early identification and tailored coping mechanisms can greatly enhance their quality of life.