I agree. I think it goes deep deep down to the core of our self belief and confidence and... at the end of the day I know I just don’t have a strong foundational belief in myself or, to be honest, even a general like or acceptance of myself. I think that’s where the issues lie for me. I see one of the ‘symptoms’ of this to be stuttering/stammering - just like I see over-thinking, perfectionism, a highly critical inner voice, self doubt, self isolation, lack of ambition etc etc. It’s just one of a myriad of things that stem from this core defect. I’ve had intense therapy and psychotherapy and I thought it may have helped my stammer/not wanting to talk at all...but it hasn’t. And I’m gutted.