postr/StutterJanuary 22, 2019

My stutter is holding me back in life. I need help.

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Content

My stutter is holding me back in life. I need help. Hello everyone, my name is Michael and I've stuttered (moderate-severe) for as long as I can remember. I'm about to turn 22 years old and my stutter has held me back tremendously in life. In 2016 I quit university after 2 semesters because I couldn't handle the thought of doing presentations. I actually managed to complete a group presentation where I only needed to say a few words but I can't recall any details about it as my mind just completely blocked the experience out. I've never had a job and I've spent the last 2 years in extreme isolation with no friends and I've gotten to a point where even walking a short distance to the local shop has become difficult and I feel very ashamed of myself. The only thing that gets me out of the house is going to a local MMA gym that I joined last summer. And naturally I enjoy going there because I don't have to talk to anyone, although a few people there do know my name. Since joining I have gained a noticeable amount of confidence but my speech hasn't improved. With my background out of the way I'd like to ask for advice on how I can overcome this problem. I want to go to university and get a degree and maintain a healthy social life. Thank you for reading.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceEmotional ExperienceSchool & Work

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentHelplessness & AgencySchool & Academic LifeEmployment & Career

Codes (1)

private_speech