commentr/StutterFebruary 17, 2025

Content

I feel you. 5 years back, I used to say the exact same things youre saying, and i used to come up with qll kinds of explanation on why i was struggling at work, why i had high anxiety, etc etc. Then i lost my job because i couldn't speak in meeting anymore, has a mental breakdown, and started to have shaky legs just stepping out of my house in anticipation that id have to speak to someone. After 2 years of this i said, FUCK this. ive already hit my lowest low, it doesn't matter now. I went to coffee shop WITH the intention of stuttering on every word. I maintained eye contact. Took deep breath. Then i stuttered my heart out, cooly, confidently. And for the first time in my life i felt it, freedom. The freedom to speak without fearing other peoples judgement. I did exposure therapy after this, and helped a lot. All i can say to you, and ill shut up after this, is to not let yourself hit your lowest low before running out of excuses like i did.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCoping & AdvocacyEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentVoluntary Stuttering & ExposureShame & EmbarrassmentAnxiety & Social JudgmentHope & Motivation