Better Understanding Misophonia
If you hate the sound of hearing nails on a chalkboard, or silverware scraping against a plate, you’ve probably had a few moments of gritting your teeth at the sounds. However, imagine if you had a condition that caused you pain, depression and even rage at not only everyday annoying sounds, but also normal sounds that don’t bother most people. Misophonia is a condition that is not commonly known, however researchers at the Misophonia Institute, established in December 2015, are working to better diagnose it and raise awareness. If you visit the website, misophoniainstitute.org, you will be met with a wealth of information about Misophonia, such as triggers and symptoms. Here is some basic information for you to know if you or someone you know is living with this condition.
What is Misophonia, and What Does it Do?
Misophonia is defined as the hatred of sound; however it goes much deeper than that. Those afflicted aren’t simply bothered by certain noises; rather they can sometimes find it unbearable to the point where they simply cannot function when they hear a certain noise. Some react by wanting to lash out at the source of the noise, because it causes a fight or flight reaction. Others choose simply to isolate themselves in an attempt to reduce the possibility of a trigger setting them off. The triggers are different for everybody, and some people can even have new sounds added to their trigger set over time, which makes it even harder to manage. The Misophonia Institute gives some advice on coping mechanisms, however.
Coping with Misophonia
One natural response to a Misophonia trigger is often mimicry. When someone mimics the sound, it can calm them until it passes. However, there are other ways to cope, such as trying to avoid the trigger all together. Special noise-cancelling headphones can help keep out noises during the day. For work and other places where headphones may not be acceptable, workplace accommodations should be provided whenever possible. Other ways to avoid the triggers, or the effects they have on you, include watching what you eat and getting enough sleep. Lack of sleep has been known to make triggers worse, as well as consumption of alcohol or too many sweets.
Treatment Options
The Misophonia Institute also provides information for treatment on their website. This section can be vital for those that may have just discovered they have Misophonia, and it gives a variety of different options, such as medication, hypnotherapy and other kinds of therapy. Not all treatment options work the same for everyone, so having a broad list of ideas to choose from could vastly help someone learn how to cope. The website also provides information for webinars as well as other opportunities to talk to professionals. You can submit questions to Tom Dozier, the director, simply by commenting on the page. Although it is not a well-known condition, education about Misophonia is important for both the person who lives with it as well as those around that person. For more information about Misophonia treatment and research being done to increase our knowledge of it, visit the Misophonia Institute website.
About the Author
Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book. When Weston was little, he would have to sneak a book light into his room so he could read until the wee hours of the night. For more information,please visit our website : misophoniainstitute.org
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