This is the #46 edition of our My Misophonia Story series. This week features Jose (37) from Spain. Each week we’ll feature a new reader story, so if you’d like to share yours, please drop us a line. Jose, take it away…
Where are you from?
Spain
What do you do for a living?
Graphic designer
What are you passionate about / what are your hobbies?
Doing creative projects – painting, drawing, videos…
How old were you when you first realised you had an issue with certain sounds?
I am not sure, maybe 6 or 7? I used to eat alone in the kitchen because I couldn’t cope otherwise.
When did you first find out it was called misophonia?
In 2013. I met my ex-girlfriend and she have found a meetup group about exactly what I was suffering – after our relationship she could identify the symptoms. It was a relief to learn that I wasn’t alone on this.
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” ]Eating noises – loud or not, keyboard typing, mouse click.
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Do you have any other sensory quirks?
I can’t stand repetitive movements e.g. someone moving their leg. It’s as bad as noises.
Have you told other people about your misophonia and if so what was their reaction?
Most of the times people don’t understand it, but they at least try. Sometimes they don’t take it seriously and can’t see the issue it means for me. Once, I told a friend that I was seeking help to overcome misophonia and, after explaining what it was, he said ‘this is stupid, everyone make noises, I don’t get bothered by them’…. OH THANK YOU, I don’t know why I chose to, you opened my eyes! (I am being sarcastic, of course).
What’s your funniest/most ridiculous misophonia-related moment?
I was sharing flat with a guy that had a constant snoring. When I couldn’t cope any longer I would pretend I was somnambulist and that I was singing asleep. Eventually one day he attacked me. I don’t think it was related to my sleep singing, and definitely it wasn’t something funny then.
What helps you to cope with your misophonia?
– I have earplugs hidden everywhere.
– Headphones with white noise has been my salvation for many years.
– In some situations by joining the noise making. e.g. In the cinema it seems I can cope better if I also eat popcorn.
– When it comes to repetitive movements it can be more painful, especially in public transport. In those situations the solution is accepting when I can’t control the situation and fly off.
– In general wherever I go I scan the room searching for the space where I could be less exposed to triggers.
What are your misophonic superpowers?
I recently worked on a project involving some audio. There were a very subtle noise that appeared in the latest version after some editing. The sound technician couldn’t spot it nor his colleagues. That made thing that I might be able to hear more than everyone else or I just have lost my mind already and I hear things that aren’t there.
What’s the single most useful piece of misophonia related advice you’ve learnt?
It’s okay not to be able to cope with some triggers. I can accept it, stop trying to control the situation and just focus in taking myself away.
What’s your very best life hack?
Do what you feel you want or have to do. Don’t regret not having done it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow misophones?
I hope you guys get better.
And finally! The quick fire round…
Favourite place you’ve visited:
Palestine (not really my favourite as I don’t have one, but the most interesting and eye opening)
Favourite song:
I don’t have any favourite
Favourite book:
I don’t have any favourite
Favourite work of art:
I don’t have any favourite
5 things you couldn’t live without:
Family, friends, work, creativity and chocolate
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