Rellik

I learned about selective mutism when I was ~20 and it sounds exactly like what I was dealing with between 12-14. I had really bad social anxiety growing up and it got to the point that I couldn't really will myself to speak to anyone I wasn't already very familiar with (naturally my fam didnt know about this since I still talked to them and mental health wasnt something that we ever discussed ;;) It's really tough...I'm sorry that you've been receiving judgement for it. It's not something that you chose and it certainly doesn't make you any less than.

Since I no longer work, I have become more introverted.  Family and close friends I cann talk to, but if its someone new, or someone I havent seen for quite some time, its very difficult to say the least lol  Its like, I want to speak, I know what I want to say, but it just doesnt want to come out.  And that's the frustrating part about it, which in turn, makes me anxiety worse.  It's a vicous cycle 

 tell ya, makes it difficult to meet people for sure lol  But I always try to keep my chin up, keep moving forward, and stay positive   despite the negativity that I may get from time to time.  I'm very compassionate, just wish more people were, instead of judgemental...