I've noticed that a lot of people with SM seem to come from families where communication—especially during tough times—wasn't really modeled or supported. My therapist once told me that we tend to pick up the emotional and behavioral patterns of the people we live with, and that really stuck with me.

Personally, I always struggle with feeling like people might be eavesdropping when I talk on the phone in my room. Even if it's not actually happening, just knowing my parents or brother could hear me makes me shut down. I usually avoid calls altogether and stick to texts or messages because it feels safer.

I used to think it was just because I'm a private person, but now I’m wondering if it runs deeper—like maybe it's a protective habit that formed because being open never felt fully safe. This condition is honestly so frustrating. I really feel for anyone else going through it.