Selective Mutism

I thought of more to say on this, which might help.

At primary school around 8/9 I remember being took out of class for a while and had some kind of assessment but obviously can't remember any details.  I probably didn't say much, and doubt I could have explained how I was inside, so they only knew for sure that I needed glasses as I must have struggled in the eye test (I remember bits of that).  I didn't have the awareness of anything wrong or difficulties, not sure many kids that age do really but even if I had I just wouldn't have told anyone unless asked.

I gradually became more aware and talked a bit more through school, but only really improved when at college and then work.   Talking about work things became fairly comfortable, but I didn't do the social stuff and that made it really difficult.  Its very much like shutters coming down, you can be fine talking about a work thing with a colleague but if they ask what you are doing for the weekend, or whatever, and bang! you either clam up or say very little and the conversation stops, really awkward.  Pub lunches, xmas meals, all kind of work socials that you are not really involved in just happening around you, you tend to avoid them because its painful, but I went now and then to try and fit in but didn't really work.

Still that way now, but learnt things fairly recently that might help.  I bought a book a few years ago that explained how to work on social anxiety, but only recently been in a better place to try it out.  Its key that when around people you focus on them as much as you can, and not any thoughts or feelings you have, mindfulness really - that minimises anxiety and you can think more clearly about what they are saying or what you need to say, so more likely to engage with people and be better at communicating.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=sr_1_4

I thought of more to say on this, which might help.

At primary school around 8/9 I remember being took out of class for a while and had some kind of assessment but obviously can't remember any details.  I probably didn't say much, and doubt I could have explained how I was inside, so they only knew for sure that I needed glasses as I must have struggled in the eye test (I remember bits of that).  I didn't have the awareness of anything wrong or difficulties, not sure many kids that age do really but even if I had I just wouldn't have told anyone unless asked.

I gradually became more aware and talked a bit more through school, but only really improved when at college and then work.   Talking about work things became fairly comfortable, but I didn't do the social stuff and that made it really difficult.  Its very much like shutters coming down, you can be fine talking about a work thing with a colleague but if they ask what you are doing for the weekend, or whatever, and bang! you either clam up or say very little and the conversation stops, really awkward.  Pub lunches, xmas meals, all kind of work socials that you are not really involved in just happening around you, you tend to avoid them because its painful, but I went now and then to try and fit in but didn't really work.

Still that way now, but learnt things fairly recently that might help.  I bought a book a few years ago that explained how to work on social anxiety, but only recently been in a better place to try it out.  Its key that when around people you focus on them as much as you can, and not any thoughts or feelings you have, mindfulness really - that minimises anxiety and you can think more clearly about what they are saying or what you need to say, so more likely to engage with people and be better at communicating.

www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=sr_1_4