postr/StutterApril 16, 2021

Is it possible I’m making up my stutter for attention?

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Content

Is it possible I’m making up my stutter for attention? I’m worried I’m making a conscious choice to stutter for attention. I’m 21 years old and as far as I (and anyone in my family can recall) I’ve never had speech issues previously. I did have undiagnosed learning difficulties as a young child where maybe any sort of speech issue wouldn’t have been noticed. A few months ago I developed a stutter. This coincided with a period of huge anxiety and also a realisation that my childhood was abusive in a lot of ways. I haven’t suffered a head injury so it can’t be because of that. I don’t mind the stutter that much. It’s not too bad unless I’m really stressed and often disappears for weeks at a time. I would go so far to say it’s helpful sometimes because if it’s happening a lot then it’s an indication to my close family very anxious, and they’ll know not to pry or to leave me be. However I do also find it frustrating. I just don’t understand where it’s coming from which is why I’m worried I’m making it up. Is it possible that I could be doing it for attention without realising? Do I need to retrain my brain?

Themes

Causes & VariabilityEmotional ExperienceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Trauma & PsychologicalFrustration & AngerAnxiety & Social JudgmentIdentity & Self-Perception