Selective Mutism Awareness Month '21

A severe anxiety disorder which disables the ability to speak.

A disorder, which has controlled mine and so many other lives.

Something that we aren't controlling- why would we?

Something that impacts every little thing.

Something which is uncontrollable.

Something that makes me 1 in 1000,

Something that once made me 1 in 150, and

Something that may make me 1 in 2400.

Two words.

Stops us from being able to access health care,

Because 'it's only anxiety'

And nothing more.

Stops us from being able to learn

Because we aren't able to ask for help.

Stops us from being able to speak to family-

Knowing that they may not be here soon.

These 182 words can be a lot more words than

We can actually speak in a 7 hour period-

School.

Two words that constantly control so many.

Yet no one seems to care- to understand.

Two words that are our entire life.

A different type of loneliness that

no one will begin to understand.

Two words;

Selective Mutism.

October is Selective Mutism Awareness Month.

Break the Silence; Educate Yourself.