[kittycat97]

Selective mutism is when one cannot talk in certain situations due to fear etc. Is any familiar with this? Can you overcome it by yourself but have a relapse again next time?

[kittycat97]

Is any one. ##

[rainbow8]

Yes! I am very familiar with SM because I suffered from it as a child and teenager. In those days it was called Elective Mutism and there wasn't much known about it. My parents asked my pediatrician and he told them to leave me alone; I'd outgrow it. I wish they had done something instead, like they do now. I didn't start talking to people until I was a teenager and it was very awkward.

Now there is a great support group online. I think it's called The Selective Mutism Group but that may not be the correct name. Prozac or other meds are prescribed too.

I overcame it myself and it never came back except that I remained shy, especially in groups. I had trouble talking in therapy, as an adult (SM is not the reason I started therapy) but not to the extent of being mute.

Are you seeing a therapist about this?

[kittycat97]

I didn't cover this with him. Do you think I should tell my doctor that I may have had selective mutism when i was young until now but it was not diagnosed?

[kittycat97]

I don't want to 'flood' my doctor with all the conditions that I may have because when i told my therapist what I had, he just said that I have hypochondraisis.

[kittycat97]

I am scared to talk to my doctor tomorrow. I wonder if I will get a relapse again... Hope he knows this condition and not think that I am being difficult or moody...><