When I was around the age of 8, my parents found out that I had Selective Mutism.
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder in which a person is unable to speak in certain social situations. These can be with classmates in school, or maybe to relatives which they do not see very often. Selective mutism usually starts during childhood (as it did for me).
A person with selective mutism does not refuse to speak to others, or choose not to speak at certain times. They are physically unable to speak in certain situations. Individuals with selective mutism suffers from feelings of panic and anxiety. Talking will become impossible for them when they are in certain anxiety induced situations. Some individuals with selective mutism feel as they are constantly on a stage in certain situations.
Selective mutism began for me when I started preschool. I didn’t speak to anyone except for my sister and two of my friends at preschool. It puzzled my parents that I didn’t speak at preschool because I always talked at home. I stayed quiet for quite a while at school before my parents found out that I had selective mutism.
This is one of the first times that I have shared with anyone about selective mutism, and I have decided to share bits of it now, to not only raise awareness for it, but also to connect with others with a similar experience.
Thank you so much for sharing ♡ It’s in embracing who you are that you find strength & courage to share & shine as the beautiful person God created you to be Aymie!! I am one of many people privileged to have met you & delight in your company & might I add that ‘cheeky’ smile of yours too!
My hope & prayer is that your openness will release others into embracing the real beauty & unique character of who they are & created to be by God & in His amazing image. And having met you & reading your bloggs Aymie, I can see you have a wonderful gifting to express yourself to the world thru written words of encouragement & inspiration ♡ And true to His Word in Jeremiah 29:11 God has amazing plans for you Aymie & those plans are to bless you & not harm you. His plans are to give you hope for the future just as you bring blessings & hope into the lives of those around you & thru your bloggs!! Again, many thanks for sharing your heart with us ♡♥︎♡