The Alarming Link to Suicide Risk
Recent studies have shed light on the severe psychological toll misophonia can take. A peer-reviewed study by Simner and Rinaldi (2023) examined a large birth cohort and found a significantly higher prevalence of self-harm and suicidal ideation among adults with misophonia. This association was particularly pronounced in females but also evident in males.
The pathways connecting misophonia to suicide risk are multifaceted:
- Intense Emotional Distress: The constant involuntary activation of extreme emotions like rage, panic, and disgust in response to everyday sounds is psychologically exhausting. This chronic distress can lead to feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness.
- Social Isolation and Withdrawal: To avoid triggers, individuals with misophonia often withdraw from social situations, including family meals, school, work, and public spaces. This self-imposed isolation can lead to profound loneliness, depression, and a sense of disconnection, all established risk factors for suicide.
- Comorbidity with Mental Health Conditions: Misophonia frequently co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions independently increase suicide risk, and the added burden of misophonia can exacerbate symptoms and further diminish coping abilities.
- Loss of Control and Hopelessness: The inability to control one’s reactions or to escape triggering environments can instill a deep sense of helplessness and despair. Life can feel like an unending battle against one’s own nervous system, leading to thoughts that escaping life is the only way to escape the triggers.
A case report by Alekri and Al Saif (2019) documented the case of an adolescent female whose misophonia was complicated by two non-fatal suicide attempts, providing a stark example of the potential severity of the condition’s impact.
You can find specific misophonia resources (not directly about suicide but coping) here:
https://misophoniafoundation.com/product-category/free-resources/
https://misophoniafoundation.com/treatment/
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
For Immediate Help, Please Contact:
North America
- Canada:
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 anytime. Available 24/7 in English and French.
- Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (for young people)
- United States:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime. Available 24/7.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
United Kingdom
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK: Call 0800 068 4141, text 07860039967 (for young people)
Australia
- Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Suicide Call Back Service: Call 1300 659 467
New Zealand
- Lifeline Aotearoa: Call 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Samaritans: Call 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Ireland
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- Pieta House: Call 1800 247 247
South Africa
- SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) Suicide Crisis Line: Call 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393
- Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline: Call 0800 70 80 90
India
- Vandrevala Foundation: Call 1860-2662-345 or 1800-2333-330
- AASRA: Call +91-22-27546669
General International Resources
- Befrienders Worldwide: Visit Befrienders.org to find helplines in various countries.
Misophonia is a serious condition that deserves recognition and effective treatment. By understanding its impact and utilizing available resources, individuals can find strategies to manage their symptoms, improve their quality of life, and mitigate suicide risk.
Sources
- Simner, J., & Rinaldi, L. J. (2023). Misophonia, self‐harm and suicidal ideation. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports, 2(4), e142. Link: PubMed
- Alekri, J., & Al Saif, F. (2019). Suicidal misophonia: a case report. Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(2), 232-237. Link: Taylor & Francis Online