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Selective Mutism

P0w3rPlut0

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

  • That is truly terrible, what a nasty person to say that and teach their child too. 

    Do you think you can wear a sunflower lanyard? I don't know what your work allows, but you could write on the back that you sometimes can't talk but your understanding is fine? (Asking permission to wear one might be a way of bringing up your difficulties and the abusive customers?)

    If you can, can you still interact in anyway, maybe you could point them in the right direction and give them a thumbs up? But I understand that might be too much too. 

    So sorry the world can be so cruel sometimes, you've as much right as anyone else. Maybe if you are finding it tough at the moment, can your GP help? Even for talking therapies? 

    Best of luck, wishing you calm thoughts.

Reply

  • That is truly terrible, what a nasty person to say that and teach their child too. 

    Do you think you can wear a sunflower lanyard? I don't know what your work allows, but you could write on the back that you sometimes can't talk but your understanding is fine? (Asking permission to wear one might be a way of bringing up your difficulties and the abusive customers?)

    If you can, can you still interact in anyway, maybe you could point them in the right direction and give them a thumbs up? But I understand that might be too much too. 

    So sorry the world can be so cruel sometimes, you've as much right as anyone else. Maybe if you are finding it tough at the moment, can your GP help? Even for talking therapies? 

    Best of luck, wishing you calm thoughts.

Children
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