commentr/StutterNovember 3, 2023

Content

Yes, I deal with this often. Residual ticks and twitching can come as a result of trying to force your way through a block. I did damage to my jaw a few years ago with a bad twitch. I remember back in school when I'd have to read aloud in class, I'd have such bad chest pains by the end that I'd have to go into the bathroom and just wait for the pain to go away by relaxing. I should have told my teachers that I got pains from forcing through blocks, but I was too shy. My best advice would be to stop talking when you notice yourself doing it. My biggest regrets are NOT doing that. The ticks can get bad, they can change, and they can hurt you if you let them take over. Stop dead in your speech and try again - and if you can't, it's better to not talk. Sometimes if I'm talking to friends or family I'll stop my sentence and shake my head and they know that means I can't finish my sentence. Let people around you know. That doesn't mean avoid working through blocks altogether, it just means you have to know when it's safer to just avoid that word or sentence. I've had doctors start freaking out when they ask me how I am and I immediately start twitching to try and tell them. But I can't tell them why I'm twitching because of the block! Take your time, and go slowly when you notice twitches or ticks.

Themes

Speech & StutteringEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Physical TensionShame & EmbarrassmentBlocks & Stoppages