Knowing how to support a loved one with misophonia can make a profound difference in their quality of life. Misophonia is a neurological condition where specific everyday sounds—like chewing, sniffing, or pen clicking—trigger intense emotional reactions such as anger, panic, or disgust. While it may seem confusing or exaggerated to those unfamiliar with it, misophonia is a very real and distressing condition for those who experience it.
This blog offers actionable, compassionate guidance for friends, family members, and partners who want to help someone living with misophonia feel understood, respected, and supported.
Understanding Misophonia is the First Step
The key to providing meaningful support starts with learning about misophonia. While it’s not yet widely recognized in mainstream mental health classifications, misophonia has been studied and validated by medical professionals as a genuine and often debilitating condition.
- Triggers are typically human-made sounds like chewing, tapping, or breathing.
- Reactions can include rage, anxiety, panic, or even nausea.
- It is not a choice or overreaction—the response is neurological and often involuntary.
By educating yourself about the condition, you demonstrate empathy and validation, which can significantly reduce your loved one’s sense of isolation.
Do’s and Don’ts When Supporting Someone with Misophonia
Do:
- Ask them about their triggers: Each person’s misophonia is different. Understanding which sounds affect them most allows you to be more considerate.
- Accommodate when possible: If you know a certain sound is a trigger (like gum chewing), try to avoid making it around them.
- Be patient: Triggers can cause strong reactions. Patience and calmness go a long way in helping your loved one feel safe.
- Encourage professional help: Offer support in finding a misophonia specialist or therapist to help them manage symptoms.
- Use supportive language: Let them know you’re there for them and that you take their experience seriously.
Don’t:
- Minimize their experience: Avoid saying things like “It’s not that bad” or “Just ignore it.” This invalidates their feelings and can increase emotional distress.
- Get defensive: If they ask you to stop a triggering behavior, try not to take it personally. It’s about the sound—not about you.
- Force exposure: Avoid intentionally making trigger sounds to “desensitize” them. This can worsen the condition and damage trust.
Create a Misophonia-Friendly Environment
Small changes to your shared environment can make a big difference in reducing stress for your loved one.
- Use soft surfaces: Carpets, curtains, and cushions help absorb sound and reduce echo.
- Implement background noise: White noise machines or soft music can help mask triggering sounds.
- Offer safe spaces: Designate areas where your loved one can go to find calm if they’re overwhelmed.
Support Goes Beyond Sound
Supporting someone with misophonia also means understanding its emotional and social effects. They may feel embarrassed or anxious about eating with others, going to the movies, or attending meetings. Be open to adjusting your shared activities or routines to accommodate their needs.
- Offer to eat meals in quieter settings or allow them to wear headphones.
- Help them prepare for social events where triggers might be present.
- Let them know it’s okay to step away if they feel overwhelmed.
Encourage Treatment and Self-Care
While there is no single cure for misophonia, several treatments—like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy (MCRT)—have shown promising results. Encourage your loved one to explore these options without pressuring them.
You can also support their self-care efforts:
- Encourage relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
- Promote healthy habits such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition.
- Help them track triggers and emotional patterns if they’re interested.
Help is Available from the Misophonia Cognitive Center™
If your loved one is ready to seek professional support, Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW, offers personalized misophonia treatment through the Misophonia Cognitive Center™. Dr. Katz provides online sessions accessible from anywhere and speaks five languages, making therapy comfortable and inclusive for a wide range of clients.
You can make a difference by guiding your loved one toward resources and solutions that work for them—while remaining patient, informed, and compassionate.
Contact Information
MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW
19 West 34th Street
Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251