It is Selective Mutism (SM) awareness month! This month I will be posting facts and personal experiences with the condition. First, here is a quick explanation, which I will build upon in the upcoming days
Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder that renders somebody unable to speak in certain situations. The name of this condition doesn’t do it any favours because the ‘selective’ part of selective mutism is not referring to the choice to not speak, but rather the involuntary silence in select situations, or with select people.
If somebody with Selective Mutism can speak to you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are able to say everything fluently and openly. For instance, I find it difficult to express my emotions or say certain words regardless of who I am talking to.
Additionally, it is important to know that we are not trying to be difficult or attention seeking. Usually, we want nothing more than to be able to speak. When pressure to do so is added, speaking becomes even more challenging and, the condition, even more isolating. It can be frustrating for you but please know that is even more frustrating for us.