18 year old social anxiety/mutism

[gillmc]

Does anyone else have a daughter who suffers from social anxiety. My daughter is 18 and really struggles talking to people which has resulted in her having no friends. She really cant start conversations and really struggles to join in. All she wants is to be able to have friendships and is really lonely. Ive tried getting her to go to groups and shes scared stiff. She's fine at home as long as its just me and her dad and is really witty with us but as soon as someone else comes in, even members of the family she just clams up and really struggles.
Just wondered if there was anyone else having similar problems please

[DigestiveBiscuit]

Yes, but 3 years on, from where you are - I don't have any answers. Dd is ok with older people, as she feels they are more mature and less judgmental. Her problems are mainly with young people.

[BlessThisMess]

Yes, 14yo here who couldn't cope with school due to social anxiety and mutism, so is home educated. She has no friends and seems not to want any. She can make conversation to some extent with new people, especially adults, but is not at ease with anybody except immediate family at home. She wants to go to college at 16 and so am concerned as to how she will cope socially.

[Earlyday]

I was basically the same as your daughter at that age. At school I hardly opened my mouth - school wasn't a very happy time for me. For some reason in college I just came out of myself a bit. I met a few friends who accepted me. I was still quiet but I wasn't mute.

Today - in my 30's - I'm quite chatty with the people I work with, I have a few friends, I have a DH and DCs and am happy. I wish I had more friends at this stage but things haven't worked out too bad for me - so there is hope.

Maybe try to get your daughter to see someone about doing cognitive behavioural therapy - ask your GP.

Is she depressed or suffering with an anxiety - would counselling or medication help. For me I think medication did help to some extent.

[pjhackett97]

Hi all,

My son is going through the same - does anyone know if there is an online forum where they can all talk to each other? A problem shared etc.... maybe they would feel more comfortable chatting online to others that were going through the same difficulties?

[Blossom4538]

My Dd is only 6 and has anxiety and Selective Mutism. It's extremely hard and yes, she adores family but stiffens up and often can't speak. She is being assessed to see if she is on the autism spectrum (high functioning) - she has some sensory issues.