This is the #33 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Lucy (15) from the UK. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Lucy, take it away…
Where are you from?
London, UK.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a student.
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
Entomology, reading, anything Harry Potter, computer science and science.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
I think when I was 11, but it could have been earlier, anyone eating, especially my dad made me so angry.
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
About 2 or 3 years ago, after I first noticed it, I looked up ‘angry when hearing sounds’ or something like that and it came up with misophonia.
What are your 3 biggest triggers?
1. Eating
2. Any mouth sounds (yawning, coughing etc)
3. Tapping
Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I think I might have misokinesia, when I can see someone chewing or tapping it has the same sort of effect as hearing it.
The sound of I guess confusion (someone mishearing something and the other person having to repeat it several times or other things like that) really gets to me.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
I have told my family and a few of my very close friends. My family doesn’t understand and gets annoyed with me and the same with 2 of my friends. I have one other friend I have told and she is extremely empathetic towards it and tries to help.
The problem with telling people I have found is that I don’t want them to treat me any differently, which they do sometimes.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
Well, I can laugh about it now. One morning I was really tired and walked into the kitchen and my mum slurped on her coffee and I just burst into tears. I realised afterwards that I had been completely irrational and that I was tired.
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
Leaving, wearing headphones in public, ear plugs in lessons at school where I can, mimicking helps a lot, lightly tapping on any surface distracts me and listening to very loud music.
What are your misophonic superpowers?
My hearing is very good when it comes to misophonia triggers, whether it is someone tapping from across a noisy classroom or the buzzing from a light switch, I can hear it.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
That it is alright to tell someone to stop making the noise and/ or leave.
What’s your very best life hack?
Asking is the best thing to do if you don’t know.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
I have found learning about misophonia is the best thing to do, even if it is to be able to explain it in a better way.
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
Villereal, France.
Favourite song:
Anything from any musical e.g. Starkid songs.
Favourite book:
Either the Harry Potter series or the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, I can’t choose!
Favourite work of art:
I don’t think I have one.
5 things you couldn’t live without:
Music, ear plugs, my pet praying mantis, books and my friends.
I would love an opportunity to share my story. How do I do this?
Hi Shelley, sure. If you just drop me an email or get me via the contact page I’ll send the questions through.