A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Selective Mutism (SM), a condition that made it super hard for me to talk in certain situations, especially at school. I know that might sound confusing, but let me explain how it felt and how I got through it with the right support. And now, I want to help other kids who are going through the same thing.

When I was younger, I could talk at home with my family, but at school or in public places, it was like my voice disappeared. Even though I could hear people talking to me, I just couldn’t make myself speak back. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to talk – I just couldn’t. The anxiety would take over, and no matter how hard I tried, the words wouldn’t come out.

At first, I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I would watch other kids chatting with their friends and wonder why I couldn’t do that too. It was really frustrating and sometimes lonely. I felt like I was different, and I was scared people would think I was weird or shy.

But things started to change when my parents found out about Selective Mutism and helped me get the support I needed. I worked with a therapist who helped me understand that SM wasn’t my fault. It wasn’t something I was doing on purpose – it was just my brain reacting to certain situations in a way that made it hard for me to speak. Understanding that made me feel a little better. I wasn’t broken, I wasn’t weird – I just had something that needed a little extra care.

The best part was the support I got from my family, friends, and teachers. They didn’t rush me or make me feel bad about not speaking in certain situations. Instead, they were patient and encouraging. I had people who understood that it wasn’t about being shy or not wanting to talk; it was about my anxiety and how I needed time to feel comfortable. When people gave me space and let me take small steps, I started feeling braver.

Gradually, I began to talk more in school. First, it was with a few close friends, and then I started speaking up in class. My teachers were amazing. They would always give me time and let me participate in a way that made me feel safe. Slowly, my confidence grew, and before I knew it, I was speaking to the whole class, making new friends, and feeling more like myself.

Now that I’m doing better, I want to help other kids who are struggling with Selective Mutism. If you are someone who feels like your voice is stuck, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There is help out there. It might take time, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you have people who understand and support you. You don’t have to be ashamed of how you feel or what you’re going through.

If you’re a parent or a teacher, please remember that patience and understanding go a long way. Kids with SM need to feel safe and supported, not pushed to speak before they’re ready. If we all work together, we can help children like me find their voice at their own pace.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it helps someone out there feel a little less alone. If I can do it, so can you! You just need the right support, understanding, and a little bit of patience. Keep believing in yourself!