This is the #16 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Zofia (16) 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. Zofia, take it away…
Where are you from?
Currently living in Manchester, England
What do you do for a living?
I’m still a student but I do work in a café part time
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
I love drawing and painting and pretty much anything to do with art. I also love music and movies.
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
I think I was quite young, must have been about 6-7?
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
Couple of years ago
What are your 3 biggest triggers?
Mouth sounds, whistling, whispering
Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I hate seeing people shake their legs under tables, looking at people chewing and repetitive movement
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
My parents know and they’re both thoughtful when it comes to eating, however my mum has used this against me in arguments before.
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
I don’t really have funny moments but I did discover that one of my friends also has it and we ended up laughing about it
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
When hearing trigger sounds I try to leave the room. I also put earphones in all the time.
What are you misophonic superpowers?
I really wish I had some but I haven’t found any yet.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
I heard that when people are chewing gum it’s helpful to also chew gum as if you’re mocking them and that was honestly pretty helpful.
What’s your very best life hack?
Camomile tea works wonders when you’re skin is breaking out.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
I know it’s hard when people don’t understand what you’re going through and it’s disappointing seeing the lack of treatment, however more and more things are being discovered about misophonia so don’t give up. Remember that you’re not the person misophonia makes you be when you hear triggers.
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
France
Favourite song:
Can’t pick a favourite but definitely something from arctic monkeys’ whatever people say I am that’s what I’m not album
Favourite book:
Fight Club which I read recently
Favourite work of art:
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt
5 things you couldn’t live without:
Art, Mexican food, orange colour, French movies and fun socks
I agree, I always find it helpful to try and chew ” in sync ” with the other person. It not only drowns out some of the noise, it distracts me. I really love reading all these stories, they make me feel less crazy. I don’t personally know anyone with misophonia and it feels good to be able to relate to someone.
I enjoy reading the misophonia stories because they give me a great deal of comfort and a way to empathize. I have misophonia badly. Chewing and eating sounds cause me to become emotional with anger, tears, and a sense of despondency.
Misophonia feels insurmountable at times.
Knowing that other people have misophonia and they can enjoy social events, and they can enjoy being married, it gives hope. Thank you!
It’s a dream of mine to get married one day, but with misophonia, it feels impossible to get married one day. It would be great to raise a family, too. Knowing that others are leading happy, successful lives inspires encouragement and hope.
I agree, I want to get married one day but everytime I have Misophonia reaction my mom likes to say, “how will you ever get married in have kids if you can’t even handle me chewing.” It is very comforting that you said that Miles.
I am 55yrs old and I used to sleep with cotton in my ears and a hat on when I was younger. I am now finding out that this is actually a disorder of some sort. Finding this article was very helpful for me. Thank you.
Thank you so much for writing this. It helps me feel, less alone knowing there are more people like me.
Hi, I was not quite sure where I should put this comment, but I am interested in sharing my own misophonia story
Hi Skye, just email me at hello@ (this website address) and I’ll send you over the questions.
Has anyone ever studied if iron deficiency anemia or other types of anemia or other nutrient deficiencies or excesses may have a role to play in misophonia or it’s intensity? I have read that any type of anemia can lead to irritability, and it seems like misophonia is partly about an irritable-type reaction. In my own experience, my reaction to triggers is a little less extreme when I’ve been making sure I get enough iron, zinc, B complex, and DHA/EPA omega 3’s in algae oil supplements and cut wakame seaweed salads.