This is the #5 edition of our new My Misophonia Story series. This week features Cara (15) from New Zealand. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Cara, take it away…

Where are you from?

New Zealand

What do you do for a living?

I’m still in school.

What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?

Does reading count? (Editor’s Note: Yes, absolutely!) I love learning things in general, hence the reading. I also do a bit of art and music when I have the chance.

How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?

I only realised about a year ago, however, the first time I remember having problems with it would have been about 7 years ago.

When did you first find out it was called misophonia?

The same time I realised that I had it. I read a Facebook article on it and did some more research after that.

What are your 3 biggest triggers?

People eating, people tapping things and being really tired.

Do you have any other sensory quirks?

Some visual, not so much smell or anything. It’s mostly hand or leg movement.

Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?

One or two people. They were supportive but basically forgot about it as soon as we finished the conversation.

What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?

I don’t have any funny moments that I can think of.

What helps you to cope with your misophonia?

Headphones, especially with music with loud drumming as it drowns things out better.

Having background noise is useful.

Mimicking what they are doing, not necessarily exactly the same as that raises many questions.

Eat at the same time as everyone else.

Sleep well, it’s not as bad when rested.

Take a break from things if it’s getting too much instead of letting it build up where possible.

Eat and drink enough, take care of yourself and it’s easier to cope with.

What are you misophonic superpowers?

Patience is probably the main thing I have gotten from it. It is probably useful with learning guitar as you can hear a lot sooner if the sound is off. Sympathy and empathy for other people’s problems is definately one.

What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?

Suck it up and deal with it because life will move on with or without you.

What’s your very best life hack?

You can use old disposable razors to get the fluff off old jackets.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?

My faith in God is where I am drawing my strength. While many of you wont believe in God, it may still help you to know that he loves you. I know that there is a lot of hate towards Christians because many of us have failed to show love where we should. Just remember that they may be struggling with things like this or worse before you judge mistakes they make.

And finally! The quick fire round…

Favourite place you’ve visited:

Redwoods park, Rotorua

Favourite song:

Too many to count

Favourite book:

Skulduggery Pleasant – Derek Landy

Favourite work of art:

Don’t have one

5 things you couldn’t live without:

God, books, music, friendship, love

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