Selective Mutism

Hi all,

I am in a sticky situation at work and developed selective mutism, I can't speak to anyone I don't know due to an ongoing health and safety issue.

My internal panic and anxiety is horrendous when facing a customer.  I try to speak, but can't, by which time said customer has stormed off, muttering rude things.

One regular customer, actually said don't talk to it as it doesn't speak to her children right in front of me. 

Yes she said it...not her

Which has compounded the issue, so today I have been so stressed I actually called the Samartians.

Im dreading going to work, as I think it will just get worse.  

Rarely customers ask questions but when they do now, I freeze.

My job is just stacking shelves and collating customer online orders, so don't actually often get asked questions by regulars, but tourists have descended on our seaside town and it's got seriously more likely.

Management haven't said anything, and at present seem to have ignored it or are oblivious.

Can anyone help with my approaching them to explain what's going on.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

I am dealing with health and safety issue step-by-step using grievance, and whistle blowing procedure, but that takes time to generate each report, complaint and receive replies.

Thanks for reading. 

Parents
  • I'm sorry you are going through this. It's awful how people treat others without respect and teach that their kids.

    I'm always stressed when a customer comes or passes nearby and I fear they will ask me. Regular customers know already that asking me is pointless. I can't really advise anything. Maybe try some sick leave and try to take a therapy for this issue? I remember having heart palpitations, headaches and stomach issues when I worked in call center. The uncertainty,  when would someone call and with what problem was draining.

Reply
  • I'm sorry you are going through this. It's awful how people treat others without respect and teach that their kids.

    I'm always stressed when a customer comes or passes nearby and I fear they will ask me. Regular customers know already that asking me is pointless. I can't really advise anything. Maybe try some sick leave and try to take a therapy for this issue? I remember having heart palpitations, headaches and stomach issues when I worked in call center. The uncertainty,  when would someone call and with what problem was draining.

Children
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