Thank you to my 11th grade English teacher who made me feel comfortable enough to say my first words to her.
Thank you to the nurse in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Ward that allowed me to write down how I was feeling during a panic attack instead of making me “use my words”. Thank you to my 11th grade guidance counselor who gave up all of his lunch hours to make sure that I wasn’t alone. Thank you to my amazing school that makes every accommodation imaginable to ensure that I am comfortable and successful. Thank you to my amazing therapist who makes herself available outside of our sessions. Thank you to the classmate who exchanged letters with me to make me feel more comfortable and less alone. Thank you to my extremely supportive family who sends me their prayers and well wishes through cards, text messages, and emails. Thank you to my amazing online British friend for always being there for me when I need to talk. Thank you to the teacher who rescued me from the bathroom when I was having a panic attack. Thank you to the stranger who came up to me when I was having a panic attack and made sure I was ok. Thank you to the amazing girls in my residence for being so caring, understanding, and supportive. Thank you to my amazing principal who called my house to check on me when I was to sick to go to school. Thank you for not giving up on me. Although I have been having an extremely hard time lately, I will never forget the amazing actions of the people that have helped me and I am extremely thankful for the extremely supportive community that surrounds me. Be supportive to those suffering. Trust me; it truly does make all the difference. I have selective mutism, severe social anxiety, and depression, but I am much more than that. These diagnoses will not define me. Through others acts of kindness and support, I will overcome this! ***If you believe that #MentalHealthMatters, join me this next week in posting about your experiences at school, at home, at church . Join me in a week of awareness! May our brothers and sisters who do or do not suffer from mental illness stand in solidarity with us while we attempt to educate and understand each other. Teachers must become more educated in mental health issues, and each public elementary, middle, and/or high school needs to have appropriate policies in order to protect children who have suffered violence, sexual abuse, and bullying at school. Pass this along!***
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CategoriesAll About MeMy name is Lauren and I am 20 years old. I have an anxiety disorder called selective mutism that limits my ability to speak outside of my home. I believe that this disorder has touched me for a reason, and my life mission is to bring much needed awareness to this heartbreaking disorder. Welcome to my journey. Archives
January 2018
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