This is the #4 edition of our new My Misophonia Story series. This week features Elaine (57) from a place I’m going to call Scotstralia. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Elaine, take it away…
Where are you from?
Born Glasgow, Scotland. Living now in Australia.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Early Childhood Educator. An Inclusion Support Co ordinator. Disability Support Person.
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
I adore Music and Photography, However my passion is advocacy for people with disabilities.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
Probably 10.
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
About a month ago.
What are your 3 biggest triggers?
People chewing… coughing… sniffing.
Idling cars.
Unproductive repetitive sounds.
Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I have an exceptional sense of smell.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
No one seemed surprised by anything I say ha ha ha.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
I wear ear plugs to bed….that’s pretty crazy ??
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
Great music….headphones a lot.
Ear plugs.
Singing out loud.
Dancing to music.
Moving out of the sound range for sure if possible.
What are you misophonic superpowers?
I could hear a pin drop if I concentrated enough.
In my line of work with children I pick up so quickly on repetitive behaviors. It certainly helps to see challenging behaviors very early in life.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
To understand it rather than fear it.
What’s your very best life hack?
HUMOUR ????? especially laughing at myself.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
To remember it’s rude to chew noisily anyway. So it’s THEM not US. ? (editor’s note: noooooooooooo!)
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
Rome.
Favourite song:
Great Southern Land, by Icehouse.
Favourite book:
Favourite work of art:
God’s great sunrises.
5 things you couldn’t live without (Plus a bonus two things for luck):
My husband.
My 2 sons.
Gratitude.
Music.
Art.
Love.
Hi, I would like to post a Misophonia Story like this too. How can I do that?
Hi Sapphire, I’d love to post your story. I’ve just sent you an email. Let me know if it doesn’t come through.