Scarlett, a Flintshire native, missed two years of school due to selective mutism, a severe anxiety illness that prevents people from speaking in specific contexts.
She and Lucia, a 17-year-old Swansea resident, stated that ignorance of the illness could exacerbate the situation.
According to NHS estimates, approximately one in 140 youths are impacted.
0:45 “I feel invisible because of selective mutism.”
A person with selective mutism “does not refuse or choose not to speak at certain times, they’re literally unable to speak,” according to the NHS.
It is impossible to talk to specific people because the expectation of doing so causes a freeze response with emotions of worry and anxiety.
Although Scarlett says she is “really chatty” and enjoys musical theater, she occasionally feels extremely anxious among other students.
I can’t stop asking myself, “What is that person thinking about me?” She remarked, “And then you’re like, ‘I’m just not going to say anything.'”
She quit attending school when she was thirteen and didn’t return for over two years.
Few people are aware of it, and you frequently feel alone and isolated.
