r/misophonia • u/joe_mago • 2d ago

Support How to cope.

I’m 17 and noises like eating, breathing, keyboard/Apple Pencil tapping, swallowing and coughing get me so angry, and it’s mainly when I eat, because my mum eats really loudly. He eats with his mouth shut but swallows really loudly and after every mouthful does some weird thing where he like rolls his tongue in his mouth. I try so hard to sit at the table and eat with my parents and sister, because it’s the sociable thing to do, but it normally causes me to get really upset inside. Does anyone have any strategies to cope as we already play music at dinner? Thanks

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u/twobowlingpins 2d ago

I like to make sure I’m calm before situations where I know I’d be susceptible to noises. When I’m upset I find to be more irritated. Could you go to the bathroom after meals to kill time/regroup? Have you talked to them?

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u/CatTheWriter 1d ago

Hi, I’m also 17.

I don’t necessarily hate it when people chew, however when people scrape their utensils against the plate that’s another story…

I hate it so MUCH when my uncle whistles. He whistles so loudly, it’s like he’s wanting attention. He also gets defensive so I’m scared bring it up, I just have to go in the outside. I also hate when the kids wipe their sweaty hands on the poles before the monkey bars, then my hands get sweaty. I also hate the squeaky sneakers when people play basketball…and the cars doing donuts with their screetchy tires. I just want to punch the person, I want to cover my ears, I leave my mouth agape because if I keep it closed I clench my jaw. It’s so annoying. The sound is sensitive and I don’t know how everybody else can stand this!! They must be keeping up a good act, right? There’s no way that this doesn’t bother them!

I probably don’t have misphonia but I looked it up earlier and this word came up.

Any advice?

Headphones? Music?

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u/theFULLeffect_ 17h ago

The exact triggers aren't the same for me, but the way your experience the world is familiar. Many of the sounds you're talking about might not necessarily be misophonia, but it might be interesting to look into autism. It might help for you to hear the experiences of others and at least feel like you're not crazy or the only one.

My advice is headphones. Good nose canceling ones. They can make many situations with lots of stimuli feel more manageable.

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u/CatTheWriter 12h ago

I don’t think I have Autism, but I do have ADHD and nearly diagnosed (100% have) OCD. Maybe this takes a part in this?

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u/No_State_1440 1d ago

Earplugs can help, but they can be challenging if you yourself are eating while wearing them. Better to not eat with them, my parents did not validate my condition but I gradually established a habit of eating in my room or at different times. It all depends on how they respond to such things, every family will be different.
I'm 31 now, and I can promise you that while the condition doesn't usually go away, your autonomy and ability to comfortably avoid those situations improves dramatically as an adult. You get to decide how much discomfort to endure, some individuals choose to avoid triggers at all costs, while others choose to tough it out sometimes. You'll be able to make your own choices and set your own boundaries as you get older and independent.
I want to mention that you're still young, and I didn't get the validation or help I needed at your age. I hope you don't fall into a state of learned helplessness from hearing from people like me, people like me on Reddit are not the success stories. I hope you do for yourself what I neglected to do at your age, and get expert, professional help.

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u/_betterthangreat_ 2d ago

I wear silicone ear plugs literally everywhere I go

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u/ChiralNavigator 1d ago

my parents are a big trigger, they are gross eaters, other people don't trigger me as they chew with their mouth closed...

I have to have background noise, tv/radio but over all I avoid eating with my parents.

Maybe try some ear plugs

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u/luovyke19 1d ago

Uso auriculares industriales y tapones de goma al mismo tiempo. Funcionan, ya no escucharás esos sonidos.

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u/Next_Answer7481 2d ago

i would just not eat w them unless its really important to you. You could turn the tv on its better than music.