Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

"Actress Melissa Gilbert reveals the challenges she faced as a child due to a neurological disorder called misophonia, which caused her to experience extreme reactions to certain sounds and visuals."

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Melissa Gilbert, best known for her iconic role as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the beloved television series "Little House on the Prairie," has candidly shared her experiences navigating childhood with misophonia, a neurological disorder characterized by heightened emotional and physiological responses to specific sounds or visuals.

Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

During a recent interview with People magazine, Gilbert recalled the profound impact misophonia had on her life, particularly during her time on the set of "Little House on the Prairie." The noisy environment of the on-set schoolroom, she explained, would often trigger overwhelming reactions within her.

"If any of the kids chewed gum or ate or tapped their fingernails on the table, I would want to run away so badly," Gilbert told People. "I would turn beet red, and my eyes would fill up with tears, and I'd just sit there feeling absolutely miserable and horribly guilty for feeling so hateful towards all these people—people I loved."

Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

Gilbert endured these struggles in silence for years, unaware of the underlying cause of her distress. It wasn't until she reached adulthood that she finally received a diagnosis of misophonia, a revelation that brought both relief and a sense of empowerment.

"I sobbed when I found out," Gilbert recalled. "I was so happy to know that it wasn't just me, that I wasn't just a bad person."

Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

Determined to manage her condition and alleviate the toll it was taking on her family, Gilbert sought the help of Dr. Zach Rosenthal, the head of Duke's Center for Misophonia. Under his guidance, she underwent 16 weeks of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy, a treatment aimed at improving self-regulation and coping mechanisms for misophonia.

"This is an emotional issue," Gilbert explained. "It's about self-regulation and self-control. I realized I could ride out these waves [of anxiety] but that they're not going to go away. They never go away. But now I have all these tools to enable me to be more comfortable and less triggered. It made me feel in control."

Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

As a result of her therapy, Gilbert has made significant progress in managing her misophonia. Her loved ones can now engage in activities that were once triggers for her, such as chewing gum, without her experiencing the same intense reactions.

"My family can now chew freely around me," Gilbert said with a smile. "I even gave all my children a pack of gum for Christmas, letting them know it was safe to chew it in front of me without worrying about making me angry."

Melissa Gilbert Opens Up About Struggles with Misophonia on 'Little House on the Prairie' Set

Through her own journey with misophonia, Gilbert hopes to raise awareness about the condition and encourage others who may be struggling in silence to seek help. She is actively involved with the Duke Center for Misophonia and Emotional Regulation, lending her support to research and outreach efforts.

By sharing her personal story, Melissa Gilbert aims to break down the stigma associated with misophonia and empower individuals to seek the support and understanding they need to live full and meaningful lives despite the challenges of the disorder.