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FemaleLocation:
Chicago, ILAge:
29Member Since:
March 16, 2006Answers:
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August 7, 2006Visitors:
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I'm 15/f. I have selective mutism. So it's an anxiety disorder. I've had it since I was little.
And I haven't talked in school for like 9 years. I tried talking this year but the whole "heart beating, my voice cracking, my voice sounding different" didn't help. For some reason I feel like that but half of the time.. I really want to say something but I can't because then I remember "I dont talk to these people". I get weird reactions from people. "OMG, YOU TALKED!" and they scream and stuff...
So do you think there's some sort of medication for me? I really want to start talking. But my anxiety is holding me back. I have the whole summer to deal with this. Because I feel like I'm wasting my life away and I'm having no fun.. and I really want a job too... Help?
Hi there,
I wasn't entirely sure what Selective Mutism was, so I read a bit before answering your question.
From what I gather, selective mutism responds very well to cognitive behavioral therapy(which is, from selectivemutism.org) - CBT therapists help children change their thoughts (that’s the cognitive part) and their actions (that’s the behavioral part). CBT therapists recognize that anxious children tend to exaggerate the frightening aspects of certain situations, so they help the children gain a more realistic perspective in order to decrease anxiety. They also know that anxious children avoid situations they fear, or (in the case of selectively mute children) avoid speech in anxiety-provoking situations. Avoidance makes anxiety worse. Therefore, CBT helps the child overcome avoidance by gradually facing what is feared with lots of praise and positive reinforcement for doing so. Parents, teachers, and other adults around the child can be very helpful in this process.
It says medication is not always necessary for treatment, but can definitely be helpful. There are no particular medications that are FDA approved for children with SM, some doctors will prescribe it when it's thought to be safe and effective in particular situations. The best treatment may be therapy, meds, OR both. Depends on how you respond. As far as what kinds, SSRIs(such as Prozac, Zoloft, etc - meds that treat anxiety disorders). It also states that most kids will respond pretty well to low doses of their medication, so there more than likely won't be a need to increase the levels.
Have you had therapy in the past? Approach your parents about the ideas of therapy and medications. One or both could be so helpful for you. You're right, it's time to start living. Sort it out with your parents, I'm sure they're willing to do whatever they can to help you.
(Rating: 5) I've been to "therapy", it made me feel worse so I'm not going back. But I'll try some medication.