You can’t speak in social situations or when you’ll be overheard. You can speak normally when you’re with someone you feel comfortable with. Your inability to speak greatly impacts your life. Your mutism has lasted for 1 month (2 months in a new situation). Your mutism isn’t a symptom of another condition.
For instance, your therapist may help you learn to cope when you feel anxious in a social situation. They might also teach you how to self-soothe so you don’t get overwhelmed. If you don’t have a therapist, ask your doctor for a referral or look for a therapist online. Check your therapist’s website to see if they have experience treating selective mutism.
Your doctor may also be open to starting a therapy group.
Typically, antidepressants aren’t the first course of treatment for selective mutism. However, your doctor might recommend them if you’re struggling to deal with your anxiety.
You may be able to set up an appointment with a speech and language pathologist on your own. Your treatment may be covered by insurance, so check your benefits.
You might also prepare conversation topics about general topics. For instance, practice talking about the weather or your favorite TV shows. You might practice saying things like, “I can’t wait for the next episode of 911,” or “Can you believe this rain today?”
For instance, you might stop and get your favorite coffee drink, but only if you order it face-to-face. Similarly, you could keep candy in your desk at work and reward yourself every time you talk to someone you normally freeze up around.
The purpose of stimulus fading is to help you confront what scares you in small amounts until you feel less nervous. It’s okay if you freeze up when the new person comes into the room. Just keep trying until you’re successful.
For instance, you might start by recording yourself reading aloud. Then, record yourself talking about something you like. Later, record a message for someone and send it to them.
If necessary, read to the other person from another room or while facing away from them. Take small steps so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Mild stressors might include answering a phone call, saying hello to a stranger, or ordering food. Slowly work your way up to situations that really scare you, like talking to someone at a party.
For instance, you might go walk around the grocery store or a local shopping center. If you get invited to a party, go! Additionally, attend holiday events hosted by family or friends.
You should still try to talk if you can, but don’t feel obligated to do it.
You might text a new coworker something like, “Hey, it’s hard for me to talk to people I’ve just met because of my anxiety. Do you mind communicating through text and email for now?” If you’re working with another student in your class, you might get their email from your professor or the school directory. Then, message them something like, “Hi, I’m going to be your lab partner this year. It’s really hard for me to speak to people I don’t know, so can we text each other instead?”
For instance, you might point to item to show that you need it. Additionally, you could use a thumbs up or thumbs down to say “yes” or “no. ” Similarly, you might wave hello and goodbye to coworkers instead of saying it.
You might use questions like, “What’s your favorite color?” “What was the last movie you saw?” “Where do you want to go on vacation?” “What’s your favorite food?” or “What do you do in your spare time?”
You may be able to find a support group online if you can’t go to one in person.
