catalyst is the idea that comes to mind as i read your post. these people viewed 'correctly' are catalysts for you. By muting them you remove their ability to help you learn. muting them is the first reaction and perhaps in the final assessment its the only way forward for you but I think first they are to be viewed as sources of inspiration for your continual growth.

i had this same experience yesterday as I realised a person I despise will be geographically close to me in a week or so. It made me shut down, instant depression and axiety. couldnt sleep. old memories conjured up of various kinds. like a trigger for all my anxieties in the world. i almost fell into a hole.

then i reframed my thinking as per the above. i meditated for an hour and viewed this person as catalyst and asked 'what am i meant to learn from this lesson?'. Immediately I was given a few answers and almost always they come back to me needing to be better at some aspect, improve my attitudes and paradigms in some way. In the end we can only control ourselves.

I didnt mean this to sound preachy so hopefully it doesnt. bless you.