Silence Is Not Golden – Growing Up with Selective Mutism

For a large part of his life, the majority of people who have come into contact with Nigel have never heard him speak. He suffers from Selective Mutism, a rare anxiety disorder which severely affects his ability to speak under certain circumstances. Based on the real-life story of Nigel Ng, a young Singaporean, Silence Is Not Golden sheds light on his extraordinary journey, giving the audience an insight into his inner world.

Winner of the Together Against Stigma Video Competition 2019

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O+ is a virtual space exploring the intangible in Southeast Asia. Through distinctive visuals and experimental forms, our inquisitive team discusses back of the mind, candid perspectives about society, culture and being human.

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[Fay_]

I was always able to speak to immediate family and close long time friends which was like 2, but with everyone else my brain would just shut off, and would just stare at them with a blank expression. I was called rude by everyone, but there was one teacher which I could whisper into her ear. The first time I ever spoke at school was by force in 2nd grade when the teacher was reading a book to the class and everyone was seated on the carpet. When she was finished she asked me if I enjoyed the book. When I failed to respond, I was expected to stand up in front of the whole class next to her to say "yes" which as we all know is the most effective and reasonable way to help exacerbate the problem. Time would come to a screeching halt and I basically broke down crying in embarrassment before I made a barely audible "yes" and everyone cheered me on and clapped hands only to make it worse. I just sat with my head down on the desk for the rest of the day

[montserratlopez]

Hi I am 16 years old.
I had selective mutism from 6 years to 11 years old. My classmates didn’t even know what my voice sound. I think my case in particular is one of the worst, I really suffer a lot on my one. My parents didn’t really noticed it, because I used to talk in my House. I am from Mexico so no one really care here. I wish It would had been different

[れーずん-tt]

I am 16 years old now. I have had selective mutism since I was 4 years old. Thank you for making this video. I am Japanese, but this is a disease that is completely unknown even in this country. My teacher forces me to speak, makes me laugh in front of everyone, and my classmates always exclude me. School is painful, but my physics teacher is the only person I can talk to outside of my family. That is my hope. Currently, I am studying so that I can leave my hometown and go to a new place. I don't know if I will be happy, but I think I have to get out of here anyway. Not being able to speak is very difficult in life. However, I want to overcome selective mutism in order to make my life better and live as myself.

[pratishthabajracharya]

Mine started at the age of 5. My 2nd grade teacher beat me up and forcefully made me speak. Now I'm 16. I speak at school and to strangers but not with my relatives.

[Error-kfsv]

II was the same, I'm so happy that he wrote a book about SM, it's such an inspiration to me, to continue working on my comic which is about this disorder

[ricardogoncalves]

I felt this. I just realized today that I almost certainly suffer from this. I'm 36 years old. It's so hard

[TheHeadlessMario]

wish i didnt grow up with selective mutism :( now i am scared to talk to every stranger and my uncle + grandpa + cousins 😢

[network]

i have it. its so damn difficult. i dont have any friends, i dont talk to people, i dont socialize or anything. ive had it since i was 4.

[MKiurinuRigold]

One has to overcome it on its own I never talked in my primary school and in my secondary 1 as well as 2 years most of time time
But I told myself I need to speak out
From secondary two onwards I change the way I handle anxiety
Now I can be totally myself 😊

[edifiedermine]

I used to talk at school, but now I don’t. I’ve always struggled with anxiety but I only stopped talking in public recently. Sometimes I can manage a few words but it comes out unclear because when I do try and talk I have a really bad stutter.
I am very lucky to have a very understanding family and school, my teachers have been trying to help me find other ways to express myself, I have mostly been communicating through typing on my iPad, and my new friends have been very patient with me. When we have oral presentations my teachers let me use text to speech or I just send the presentations to them and I don’t have to stand in front of the class.
I’ve also been working with a psychologist and speech pathologist. Both of them are very friendly. Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m getting anywhere but I’m just assuming that my progress is slow, but it’s still progress.
What I do know is that this video accurately showcases what it feels like to have selective mutism. Unfortunately this is the reality for many people every single day.
I know that not everyone is as lucky as I am, so to those who are still looking for someone to understand here’s what I have to say: I am so sorry you have to feel this way every day, and if you try taking little steps at a time, it can get better. It’s okay to use other means of communication such as writing or typing. What I do personally is I try and say one thing to a friend every school day. Even if it’s just 1 or 2 words, it’s still something. Every word is an accomplishment. This might not be the way for everyone to get through this and that’s okay. I’m sure you’ll find your own way of progressing, stay strong, and here’s a croissant: 🥐

[BAMBCEMXEP]

Thanks you! This was the most accurate video about what it's like to have selective mutism, expect he had those 2 people supporting him, clapping. In my experience most of us have nobody and people will always stop talking to us because we won't respond back I've had someone tell me "I'm not gonna talk to you anymore then if you're not gonna talk back". Just from my experience

[AlbertEinstn]

As a person with SM, ASC, ADHD, and OCD this hit hard

[vvrtpqv]

Rare indeed. Its no longer a flight or fight when in fear

[elfredwee]

Amazing artwork and animation. The sound effect has also been done very well to capture the overall emotion. "Show, not tell" has been the way this clip been designed.
I would like to buy the book. Apparently, it's been sold out. Anyone knows how to get it?

[user-yk]

Very good video 🌌 thank you for spreading awareness on Selective Mutism . I also make videos on mental health and Selective Mutism 💕

[sam]

I was diagnosed with selective mutism at 13 years old. I would always get in trouble for not speaking.

[pinxinchew]

your videos are so impactful! keep up the good job & keep sharing

[Bloggerweakling]

Would low speaking be an example of selective mutism

[BauBOO]

I just cary a note pad and pen with m3 every where I go, it's a bit hard to get a job. I went to this work environment and they just look at me like I'm a dumbass no good tomato can. I been training for my boxing match in august. I just want to make some money so I can help my family. It's hard, wish I could speak. But why? Why am I such an idiot? Atleast with boxing I don't have to be able to speak.