Can you develop Selective Mutism as a teenager?

I know everyone says that it is uncommon, but not unheard of however, I cant find any examples. I have always been socially anxious but suddenly I have just stopped talking everywhere other than my home. Its like the words just cant come out and its affecting my whole life. Other than my age, I have all the symptoms - could I have Selective Mutism?

I don't think Ive had post traumatic stress disorder, but just before going mute I did go through an experience which, to me, was very traumatic and got me very depressed. I didn't think it was serious because my sisters didn't get down the same as me, but do you think this could of been a trigger? Bearing in mind I was already very socially anxious?

Hello and welcome to the forums!

The fact that something was not traumatic for your sister doesn't mean that it wasn't traumatic for you. People are different, some are more sensitive than others. I am no expert but I suppose that it may be just connected to your social anxiety. At this age life is hard for everyone, it may be even worse if you are so sensitive to begin with. Have you talked with your family about this? Or maybe considered looking for professional help?

You might be depressed. Depression can cause symptoms of an whole array of mental and physical afflictions. I have been depressed and i have diagnosed myself with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, borderline personality, schizoid personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder at different times. For a while i was sure i have schizoid personality; when in reality i am the complete opposite of it.

Hey, I was in the same boat, but I was diagnosed with selective mutism. Of course, I never spoke in school as a child and when I did, it was in a whisper. Sadly, there is no cure or medicine for selective mutism, but with will power and the mercy of god, you can recover. God bless.