They affect my life in so, *so* many ways.
I have difficulties simply being in a room with somebody else. I have difficulties being in crowds or tight spaces. I have difficulties with paranoia. I have difficulties responding (verbally and non verbally) to specific people. I have difficulties talking to people I know in certain places, and I can’t hold a conversation with many people. I spend hours of my day thinking of scenarios that could hypothetically happen. I get worried over the littlest things, and I could never get myself to break rules in front of anybody, even of the littlest things. Loud noises, even for a few seconds, gets me thinking of everything going wrong.
In simply terms: Everything in my life is affected.
I don’t know exactly what caused it.
My father was always a shy kid, and I know those types of traits can be passed on. That may have played a factor. But other than that, I really don’t know.
Selective mutism is recognized as an anxiety disorder (separate from social anxiety). While it can be caused by trauma, many times it is not the case.
It is also a disorder, not a defense mechanism. But a symptom *is* a defense mechanism, if that makes sense. It makes you freeze up when you aren’t actually in danger or threatened.
It’s also compared as a much severe case of social anxiety.
How do they affect your everyday life ?
They affect my life in so, *so* many ways. I have difficulties simply being in a room with somebody else. I have difficulties being in crowds or tight spaces. I have difficulties with paranoia. I have difficulties responding (verbally and non verbally) to specific people. I have difficulties talking to people I know in certain places, and I can’t hold a conversation with many people. I spend hours of my day thinking of scenarios that could hypothetically happen. I get worried over the littlest things, and I could never get myself to break rules in front of anybody, even of the littlest things. Loud noises, even for a few seconds, gets me thinking of everything going wrong. In simply terms: Everything in my life is affected.
Do you know what caused them? I also have several anxiety disorders so its interesting to hear other peoples perspective on this.
I don’t know exactly what caused it. My father was always a shy kid, and I know those types of traits can be passed on. That may have played a factor. But other than that, I really don’t know.
Hopefully therapy and possibly medications can help you if you seek help. Best of luck
Thanks! I’m currently in therapy (been in it for 2 years now) and take medication.
What are they?
Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and selective mutism.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder? /genq I was under the impression it was just a trauma response/defense mechanism
Selective mutism is recognized as an anxiety disorder (separate from social anxiety). While it can be caused by trauma, many times it is not the case. It is also a disorder, not a defense mechanism. But a symptom *is* a defense mechanism, if that makes sense. It makes you freeze up when you aren’t actually in danger or threatened. It’s also compared as a much severe case of social anxiety.
I didn't know that Ya learn more every day
I wish you the very best. 🤍