I've got a serious selective mutism problem. If I'm not comfortable enough with a person, I just can't open my mouth, move or make any other facial expression except a blank one. My teachers and most authority figures just label me rude because of it.
It's really interfering with my learning. When a teacher asks if we understand something, I usually don't and go to say something, shake my head no, raise my hand, whatever and I just seem to have no good muscle control when I need it.
Anyone ever had a problem with this? Know any medications or some kind of therapy?
2006-12-07 12:56:07 · 8 answers · asked by ☆Tąrą☆ 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It sounds like you may have an anxiety disorder of some sort. I have experienced similar things, when I was suddenly very afraid to say something to someone I knew in public or where I had very bad shortness of breath when trying to speak in a meeting, so that I could hardly speak and had to apologize then take a moment to catch my breath. This despite being a teacher and acting in front of thousands of people.
I think you should talk to your doctor who may refer to a psychiatrist or prescribe something for you. Especially since it sounds like this is very debilitating for you.
Best of luck. You sound like a really nice person. Remember you deserve to be heard! :)
P.S. If someone advises you to go to a psychiatrist, that does not mean you are "crazy"! Please do not listen to someone who wold discourage you from seeking help in that way. Many people still have some very superstitious beliefs about psychological problems. Don't be ashamed - you have a very common medical condition. Best of luck!
2006-12-07 13:00:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dood that's exactly what happens when I talk to attractive women!
Anyway, maybe your story is that you were expected during your formative years to not behave a certain way. Because all you know is how -not- to act, you just haven't learned an acceptable 'mode' to operate in when in those situations.
My sugestion is to think about how you might want to act in those situations after they've passed. Just spend a few minutes thinking about it when you get some time, then think about your own self image. Think about how as you mature, you become more responsible fot it. Try to be creative, but I might warn against creatively putting together a functional self image that is -too- much.... lol ...but it's up to you really...
Anyway, after going through the process of giving it some thought, basically using hindsight, you might find your creativity kicking in again (hopefully not too much) when you need it. You know the ones who think TOO much about themselves? The ones who never shut up? yeah They don't have this problem. :)
Don't expect it to work instantly. It's important to be ok with the problem for the time being.
2006-12-07 13:32:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Social Anxiety. It is one of the panic disorders, closely related to OCD.
go to amazon and purchase a book called The Anxiety and
Phobia Work Book by a guy named Bourne. I have Agoraphobia, also one of the panic Disorders. This book is like my Bible.
When my agoraphobia starts to flare up I get out the book and start working on it. This book give you actual ways to help you learn to deal with your disorder.
You might also want to see a counselor. Generally for this kind of disorder you don't need a psychiatrist. A counselor will do.
There are medications that can help. SSRIs are the drugs most prescribed for Panic Disorders. Largely they don't help. But Social Anxiety is the form of Panic disorder that the SSRIs are most likely to help.
Look around on the web you will find lots of info. YOU can find ways to live with this disorder.
2006-12-07 13:06:49 · answer #3 · answered by raredawn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first, Its obviously not selective if you have no control over it. It is probably some sort of phobia. I myself know several people like this, one of which has NEVER made eye contact with me even once she finally spoke..I'm not quite sure what it is but I know it not rudeness..Tried seeing a doctor?
2006-12-07 13:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by Mightyhunter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry to say i have no suggestions other than see a therapist. I know how you feel I have had and still at times do have the same problem.. it's hard getting comfortable. ... good luck.
2006-12-07 13:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by The Cuke 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you really need to seek help with this
you do not have to be alone in this
please get professional help
good luck to you
2006-12-07 13:12:14 · answer #6 · answered by Bren 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its called knowing the truth. The truth is nobody cares what you say or what I say or what anybody else says. You just have a hidden talent to overcome this temptation to blab. Keep up the good work. You will be spared many troubles because of this condition so dont get treatment. Its a gift from God. Seriously. I wish I had it!
2006-12-07 13:00:27 · answer #7 · answered by Jamie 3 · 0⤊ 7⤋
Tara Is this about you!??
☆★☆ http://www.osoq.com/funstuff/extra/extra02.asp?strName=Tara
2006-12-07 13:11:19 · answer #8 · answered by elh g 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋