Comedy performer and broadcaster Helen Keen explores the impact of a condition she once suffered from, known as Selective Mutism: an anxiety disorder that has been described as a phobia of speaking.
Ashley John Baptiste interviews Sabrina Branwood for the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme
While Amber has recovered from SM now, and supports people with SM through her own website (www.ambercolon.com), this is a very moving first-hand account of SM.
“I did this for my teachers and fellow students who just didn't understand what I was going through. I got made fun of because I couldn't talk, they called me stupid.”
“I don't speak in public. Most of you have probably never heard of the condition I have. It's called Selective Mutism.”
“I was severely bullied by people who didn't even KNOW me because I didn't talk - and even by teachers.”
Selective Mutism: What is it, what is like to experience, and the long term repercussions of suffering from it.
Selective Mutism: The myths surrounding SM and challenges to them. SM is not a childhood-only or school-only issue! Other Selective Mutism organizations, and professionals who should know better, please stop saying it is!
Selective Mutism: How to support an employee with SM in the workplace.
Acceptance by those around us, and self-acceptance, are key for teens and adults with SM.