This is the #37 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Carys (13) from Wales. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Carys, take it away…

Where are you from?

Wales, UK.

What do you do for a living?

Student.

What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?

I play piano and I used to play clarinet, and I love reading, especially science fiction.

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

My mum always tells me that even when I was a baby, I would start crying when she sneezed or coughed, and I think I’ve always been irritated by sounds, but only realised in the past few years.

When did you first find out it was called misophonia?

It was around 2-3 years ago when I found it online.

What are your 3 biggest triggers? [bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#eb9500″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Click to Show Triggers” collapse_text=”Click to Hide Triggers” ]Sneezing, chewing, and when adults speak ‘baby talk’ (it really affects my misophonia).[/bg_collapse]

Do you have any other sensory quirks?

It’s not really a sensory quirk, but I do suffer from aphantasia, a condition where one cannot visualise images in ‘the mind’s eye’, which is probably the reason as to why I can’t experience synaesthesia. I also really hate ASMR, that’s one of my biggest triggers.

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

I haven’t told my family because I doubt they’d even realise that’s it is a genuine condition and would make fun of it, but I’ve told some of my friends and they’re really understanding of it.

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

I was at a family gathering for a cousin’s birthday party and there was so much noise and an abundance of triggers that I locked myself in my auntie’s bathroom for almost an hour!

What helps you to cope with your misophonia?

Aside from locking myself in bathrooms, I also have other coping techniques, such as mimicking the noise someone is making (although they might be a little confused if you randomly start copying them), reading a book or going on social media also distracts me from the trigger, but my main coping technique is listening to music. I recently bought some Apple AirPods (wireless headphones), which although pricey, are definitely worth it as I can easily conceal them under my hair and put on a playlist whenever I hear a trigger.

What are your misophonic superpowers?

I think misophonia makes me a better listener, as I notice more sounds than the average person, and it has also helped me enjoy silence and being alone.

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

To remember that the noise will eventually pass, and that I will get through this!

What’s your very best life hack?

Always, ALWAYS, wear lip balm in the winter. It prevents chapped lips from the cold and is one of my most important steps in my morning routine.

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

You’re gonna be okay! I promise! Whenever I feel sad, whether it’s to do with misophonia or not, I whisper to myself “it’s okay, you’re okay, you will be okay” and that reassured me. You should try it!

And finally! The quick fire round…

Favourite place you’ve visited:

Either Sorrento, Italy or Crete, Greece.

Favourite song:

This changes a lot, but at the moment it is Everything Is Fine by All Time Low or Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac.

Favourite book:

Our Chemical Hearts by Krystal Sutherland or Who Runs The World? By Virginia Bergin.

Favourite work of art:

Definitely this one-Danny DeVito. It makes me laugh every time.

5 things you couldn’t live without:

My phone (how typically millennial of me), my glasses, my lip balm, my favourite denim jacket, and my bracelet.