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How can I make my family understand my misophonia?

6 Answers
Last Updated: 07/09/2018 at 5:09am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Jessica McDaniel, LPC, LCPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I have been practicing cognitive behavioral psychotherapy since 2007 with a diverse group of adult clients with various diagnoses, all races, and socioeconomic classes.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 14th, 2015 1:51am
You can't "make" or force anyone to understand anything. But you can educate them. More important than this or any other diagnostic label, is what people need to do to respect your auditory and emotional needs. Focus on that as you talk to them.
HoneyStarling
May 21st, 2015 8:39am
I think it would depend on how they are treating you currently...? Are they confused but trying their best to be accommodating? Or are they aggressively dismissive, maybe claiming you're being over sensitive or badly behaved when you have a reaction? I guess trying to educate your family on how much your sensitivity affects you, maybe writing out a chart or list of triggers so they can be aware of things which set you off and also what they can do (or not do) when you're having an attack - so they have a framework in which they can change their behaviours. If they don't think it's an actual problem, getting them to come a GP with you who can explain your situation in a more clinical setting can help. You might have to fight to create a family life which is compassionate and understanding but generally, my feeling is that families do want to love and nurture each other, and given some guidance and the chance, I hope your family comes through for you in the end.
Anonymous
May 12th, 2015 11:51am
They probably won't understand, but just try your best to get them to. I doubt they will, but Never give up.
Anonymous
September 12th, 2015 1:34am
I don't even know what that is? lol Sorry wish I could help. But needed to answer to get to next question.
Anonymous
January 2nd, 2017 8:55am
You could sit down with your family and use relatable situations such as loud parties, crowded malls, etc, in order to explain how you feel in those predicaments. You could then continue by asking them to empathise and communicating how it would make you feel if this problem were to be disregarded.
SacredArtist
July 9th, 2018 5:09am
I have a husband who has a strong aversion to certain sounds. He just cannot help it. It bothers him to no end. Frustrates him beyond belief. Now, it is very terribly difficult sometimes to manage some sounds but as a family member, understanding means that I don't exactly judge it but for other family members it is unavoidable for they are individuals and some individuals may be prone to judgement, for better or for worse. Some people have a very hard time believing or understanding certain issues. That said, talking it out with them sincerely and calmly and answering as many questions as best as you can for however much time is appropriate for you and them to grasp as much as they can will go a long way. Even if there seems to be no real change in their understanding or behavior, you will at least know you have tried your best. You may have talks with them multiple times, it may get through at some point for one reason or another when it didn't before. If behavior is what you are looking to change, problem solve only while clear headed. Compromises may need to be had if your family is unwilling to make large adjustments. However, if understanding is all that is of any issue here, ultimately, whether they understand you or not or believe you or not, what is important is only that you are able to manage and feel OK with /yourself/ for your own sake. Even in the face of disbelief of indifference or other.