This is the #58 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Maisie (18) 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. Maisie, take it away…
Where are you from?
London, UK
What do you do for a living?
Student 🙂
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
I love performing, singing/ acting, that kind of thing.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
Probably about 10
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
Just a few years ago after I read an article about it in the news
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” ]Chewing/ eating sounds
General sounds from the mouth (loud breathing etc)
Any kind of sound at all as I’m trying to sleep
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Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I have a weird thing about dirty glasses and cutlery, it always has to be perfectly clean. And I feel really off walking on the left side of people?? Also the triggers are always a lot worse coming from my close family rather than friends or strangers.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
Telling my parents I thought I would receive a lot of sympathy as it had been a source of tension in the house for a while but it didn’t really change much, they want to learn more but still get annoyed when I become bothered by the sounds.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
Coming home from a school trip my friend behind me in the coach was chewing gum especially loudly and I shot her dagger looks the whole journey!!! Sorry!!
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
Generally just putting on headphones or leaving the room. I’ve found that creating a hierarchy for my triggers – like they use for OCD – and slowly exposing myself to them one by one, starting with the least triggering, has been helpful too.
What are your misophonic superpowers?
Definitely gives me an understanding of intense emotions and of people feeling trapped in uncomfortable situations. I also now feel more tapped in my thoughts as I observe how I’m feeling in the moment and how I can help myself.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
Research!! Understanding yourself better and how your brain works always lowers the anxiety and stress and you can better comprehend why and how you are feeling that way.
What’s your very best life hack?
Try to live your life as the superhero, not the victim.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
Never feel rude or guilty for removing yourself from upsetting situations!
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
New York
Favourite song:
Right now its probably Written in the Water by Gin Wigmore
Favourite book:
Rebecca by Daphne De Maurier
Favourite work of art:
Classic Sunflowers by Van Gogh
5 things you couldn’t live without:
Headphones, books, coffee, running and friends
Hi Maisie!
I am a 68-year-old misophone with numerous triggers including a sensitivity to people present on my left side. I have brought this up in various misophonia discussions/forums but have yet to come across anyone else who has a sensitivity like this one until I read your story. We appear to share a similar “spatial” sensitivity.
I experience this too Kerry. I feel much more at ease when people are walking on my right and I have no one on my left. Even when sitting in a room, I’ll gravitate towards seats on the left. I’ve never really thought about it before!
I loved both this and the other comment from Ruby in Scotland that you sent in the email. Very good and I read one of them to my husband who still doesn`t understand but now he may try a little better. Thanks for your research and helping all of us “Misophoniabians”,