The loss of thoughts or fear in expressing oneself is ideally known as selective mutism. In this post, we list some of the selective mutism symptoms which will help you understand if you or anyone in your family is suffering from this issue.
1. Speak freely at home but conscious Outdoor
Judging if a person has selective mutism symptoms is difficult at home. While such people will speak with conviction at home, you will observe that when they have to put forth their point outdoor or during any public gathering, they would be at loss of words.
2. Paralyzed with Fear
Selective mutism symptoms also make a person suffer fear paralysis. Whenever such people get an opportunity to speak in front of others, you will find them trembling. All the words and the worth they would have brought along would be gone in a minute and they will be short of words.
3. Rely on other forms of Communication
It is also seen that people who suffer from selective mutism often rely on other forms of communication. They would rather write, record or nudge others to put forward any point they have to speak about. In rare cases, when it comes to speaking themselves, such people often read what they have written rather than speaking up upfront.
4. Profound Shyness
Profound shyness can also be considered among selective mutism symptoms. Such people are shy by nature as they express less.
5. Little Eye Contact
You will also see that they maintain little eye contact with anyone. Most of the time their eyes are fixed to the ground. This they do as they wish to avoid speaking or putting forth their views.
6. Social Isolation
Any normal person would fear social isolation. However, in case of those suffering from selective mutism symptoms, you will find that such people rather admire being socially isolated as it gives them the opportunity to remain within their shell.
7. Clinging Behaviour
You will observe clinging behaviour in case of people with selective mutism. They would rather remain with a person with whom they are comfortable than being socially active. They have the fear of expression which can be seen by them favouring this clinging behaviour.
8. Fear Social Situations
Being part of any social event like marriage is their biggest fear. They fear that others will make fun or them and thus they avoid being part of any social event.
9. Communicate with limited Words
Their answers would mostly be limited to yes or no. Nodding is also their favourite sign language as they fear expressing themselves in words.
10. Happy Alone
Such people are happy alone most of the time. They fear company and would rather remain alone than in a group of friends.
These are some of the selective mutism symptoms. Have you seen someone with such traits? Do share your experience through comments here so that others could also benefit.
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