#sorry lmao i just feel like i domt know where else to go with this

[synesthete-culture-is]

hey!! I've been thinking about how to word my question about synesthesia but it's kind of hard to word so if it doesn't come across well I'm sorry ;_;

basically uh when i listen to music I feel sensations (and colours a bit too, but I'm not sure if that's just an association due to other things). it's not very linear and it doesn't really follow a pattern, like just different pitches and instruments do different things. and it also is in people's voices?? it get stronger when i know them better but for example one of my friends is in the base of my head, just above where my neck starts, and another is in my wrists, and their voices are like. there. it's weird I didn't realise it was weird before I told them.. but I'm kind of worried I'm mixing it up and not actually experiencing these things because I also have chronic pain and domt always know what's going on in my head and body, so I'm not sure if I'm just mistaking it for something else. I know you said you like to take questions about this but if this is too complicated dw about answering lmao I'm just. confused and also very interested in this topic so ye!!! thanks :)

Hi anon! Upon reading this ask I remembered an article I had read about this experience, but I tried to search for it and I couldn't find it. Every time I look up "feeling music in different places in body", the internet comes up with articles relating to frisson (which means getting chills).

But fear not! I know this is a type of synesthesia - I don't remember if it has a specific term, but I've heard of it before, and I experience it myself to some extent.

The basic description of this type of synesthesia is: the synesthete feels sounds (whether those sounds be music or everyday sounds) in different bodily locations. A lot of times, those locations are in the head; for instance, the base of your head, like you said about your friend's voice. I remember another article that included someone who often felt music in her ankles. (If anybody comes across that article, or any other articles that pertain to this topic, let me know in the notes!)

Anyway, the final point is: this is very likely to be synesthesia, and you are not alone in your experience! I'm not sure if there are any other conditions that describe your experience. As for chronic pain, the question to ask yourself is: are these sensations occurring only when I am hearing sounds? If so: probably synesthesia, my friend.

I hope you're having a nice day / night, wherever you may be.

[ghoulmumma]

Ugh