Selective Mutism Acknowledgement Talk | Episode 1

Just another teenager battling with a severe anxiety disorder.
What’s up and welcome back! If you're new here, my name is Nicky, and as I begin this 3-part video series, I am wrapping up my senior year in high school. I’m just like anybody else … except that I have a condition called Selective Mutism (SM) which prevents me from speaking in most social situations. I was first diagnosed with this condition at a young age, shortly after my family was involved in a car accident. Since then, I have spoken verbally to only a select group of people.
Through most of my journey with SM, I comfortably leaned on the crutches of accommodations given to me at school and in everyday scenarios. I didn’t necessarily consider the potential major benefits that working to overcome Selective Mutism could bring, because I didn’t know what I was missing out on by not verbalizing.
However, a few years ago, my mindset towards SM shifted, and I decided that this communication barrier was not going to rule over me any more.
Long story short, I have successfully overcome most of my Selective Mutism in the past couple of years with the help of my family, friends, and some amazing professionals trained to treat the type of anxiety I have. Now, I am fully verbal in most social situations, and I continue to make progress each and every day in overcoming SM.
I hope that this channel can be used as a resource for anybody looking to understand Selective Mutism a little bit more through the eyes of someone who has experienced life with SM. For anyone who is struggling with SM or knows someone else who is struggling, I want you to know that there is hope. It is possible to overcome Selective Mutism!
Over this short mini-series of videos, I will dive deeper into my own personal story and offer advice and resources based on my own experiences. In this video specifically, you will hear a bit more of the early part of my story with SM. I share some common misconceptions about Selective Mutism, some of the challenges I have faced throughout my journey, and my mom touches on the different types of therapies I tried as a younger child. Additionally, I offer a few pieces of advice to parents of children with SM.
Please know that I am not qualified to give expert advice on Selective Mutism, general anxiety, or any other mental health matters. I am limited in my abilities to offer help, support, or counsel, and I encourage anybody who is truly struggling mentally to seek professional help.
Please utilize the following links to learn more about SM and seek help:
selectivemutis...
www.selectivem...
www.nhs.uk/men...
childmind.org/...
childmind.org/...
www.nimh.nih.g...
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Much love and stay tuned 🫶

[@salona108]

Hi from Cary, NC. I told my son about this video when I saw it posted on FB but kept forgetting to play it. But this morning he remembered and asked to watch it. We all loved watching it. Thank you for sharing so openly with vulnerability. Look forward to watching future episodes.

[@amandabrust4244]

You are an incredible source of inspiration for both people who experience SM and for the people who love someone with SM. Thank you so much for sharing your voice with us here!

[@gy9793]

You're so brave for sharing your experience on here for the world to see! Thank you so much for educating us!

[@syedrahmansouketali1669]

Thank you for this, I will surely try these tips for my girl

[@michal246]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@iambrige9866]

Your experience was similar to my daughter. Thank you!

[@zarinarakhmatova8897]

My kid with SM is 7 years old now. What would you advise him at this age?

[@smack_talk_with_nicky]

I would advise him to seek out social situations that encourage him to verbally communicate and participate! Though I do not know you personally, I believe exposing him to scenarios that aren't too overwhelming but still provide a bit of a challenge for him to speak up can open the door for him to open up in more difficult settings later on!

[@zarinarakhmatova8897]

@@smack_talk_with_nicky thanks a lot for your answer 👍 I wish you good luck in the future development of your KZbin channel