Triggered: Coping with Misophonia as a Parent

Parenting is a tough job. It requires a lot of patience, understanding, and love, especially when we’re being triggered.

Just about any parent will agree that one of the toughest parts is dealing with the annoying, ear-piercing sounds that come with having kids. However, when you add a disorder like misophonia to the mix, the daily challenges of parenting become even more exhausting.

Misophonia is a condition where certain sounds can trigger unwanted emotional responses like anxiety, rage, and panic. Sounds that usually trigger a person with misophonia are eating, breathing, or repetitive sounds, and more often than not, include a screaming baby, crunching chips, loud toys, or even heavy breathing. Or in my case, a vivacious child, a 140 lb dog, and a new puppy all vying for my attention while the game is on in one room and the bath is running in another…..but I digress.

In parenting, misophonia can be specifically hard to cope with since parents are often inundated by these triggering sounds continuously. So, how can we make it through these difficult triggers and avoid losing our minds? Here are some ways to cope with misophonia as a parent:

Earplugs and Earbuds

One of the simplest ways to manage misophonia in parenting is to use earplugs or earbuds. Earplugs can block external sounds, while earbuds with soothing music or sounds can help to drown out a trigger. Wearing earplugs also helps to create a safe space for yourself, which can be especially necessary when dealing with a child's meltdown. It's essential to remember that you are not tuning out your child, but rather managing your emotional response to the triggers. You can find some of our favorite ones HERE!

Set Boundaries and Be Proactive

As a parent, setting boundaries is essential when it comes to dealing with misophonia. Talk to your family members, friends, and colleagues about your condition and what triggers you. Ask them for their cooperation in minimizing exposure to certain sounds. It may take some time to educate everyone and get them to understand what you're going through, but setting clear boundaries can tremendously impact your daily life.

Practice Mindfulness

Being present and in the moment is a powerful tool for coping with misophonia. When you start to feel the anger and frustration levels increasing, stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and try to focus on the present moment. Try to remind yourself that the sound is not intentional and that your negative reaction to it is something you can control. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation can help you stay calm and centered, reducing your misophonia triggers' negative impacts.

Self-Care

Self-care is essential when dealing with misophonia. It's hard to be calm and collected when you're tired, frustrated, or stressed. Finding a few minutes every day to engage in activities that calm you down and bring you joy can help you manage your emotions. Activities such as taking a walk, reading a book, or even mindful breathing can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Additionally, it's worth noting that getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly can help improve your overall well-being.

Misophonia can be a challenging condition to deal with, but it's essential to remember that there are effective ways to manage it. As a parent, you owe it to yourself and your children to manage your emotional response and find a way that works best for you in coping with these triggers healthily. Remember to take care of yourself, and know it's okay to seek further help if needed.