This is the #20 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Claire (18) from the USA. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Claire, take it away…
Where are you from?
Chicago, IL.
What do you do for a living?
Student right now.
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
I’m really passionate about the environment and photography.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
Probably around 13? A year or two before I started high school.
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
My dad told me and my sister about it (she struggles with it too) when I was maybe a freshman or sophomore in high school.
What are your 3 biggest triggers?
Loud chewing (particularly mushy foods), loud or nasal-y breathing, metal of teeth.
Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I HATE the smell of butter, it really sets me off. Just the visual of someone reaching for food if I know that they are a loud chewer can frustrate me.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
Some (most) people don’t believe me and think I’m over reacting, they don’t know what it is like.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
I don’t think I really have any… some of my friends know that chewing bothers me so they do it on purpose to make me mad which sucks.
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
Music! Putting in headphones takes the pain away and calms me down a lot.
What are you misophonic superpowers?
I’m super observant! I notice every small detail and every small sound.
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
Paris.
Favourite song:
Too many to choose from.
Favourite book:
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.
Favourite work of art:
Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh.
5 things you couldn’t live without:
Music, fruit, my bed, my dog, nature.
Quick thought. So many of us are hyper vigilant, able to hear , smell , observe things other are not aware of . While painful, this is a gift ! What a difference you will all make in our world as physicians, nurses , scientists , investigators , artists, musicians! You’re possibilities are endless! You are amazing ! Now , go put your earbuds on and use your extra special Super Powers to save our planet and the children who need you.
Beautifully put Karen!
My name is also Claire! My Miso story is a couple years back and it’s very similar to yours. Glad I’m not the only Claire!