postr/StutterJune 29, 2023

Need guidance on where to get help with speech block

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Content

Need guidance on where to get help with speech block I apologize in advance if this isn’t the right place for this question. I have a speech block problem and it’s effecting my confidence. It seems to happen randomly, sometimes before I start my sentence or sometimes during when I’m talking. It feels like my brain is blocking my voice from saying what I want to say and it just won’t come out. Simple words like “Can”, “The”, “When” get me the most, especially if used in the form of a question. “Can I have a glass of water”. My tongue blocks my throat during the “k” sound of the word can and air doesn’t come out of my mouth. It seems to happen more frequently if I say the sentence in my head first and then try to say it out loud. The more I say it in my head, the worse it will get. I am able to whisper the sentence to myself just fine, but it won’t come out when I try to say it out loud. Most of the time I am able to speak just fine. I speak 2 languages, but I am more proficient in English but I never get speech blocks when speaking my native tongue. I don’t know if I have a mental disability or it’s just a psychological thing that I need to get over. I am not a super confident person but so am also not super shy. I can talk to strangers just fine. I also smoke weed and notice my block is really bad when I’m high, sometimes I’m just unable to talk. I think this happens when I feel self conscious and every time it happens it makes me even more self conscious. I’m stuck in a loop and it’s lowering my self confidence. I don’t know where to go for help or who I should be even talking to about this. Googling doesn’t help as this seems different from stuttering or stammering. If anyone has any idea why or what is causing this, I would greatly appreciate it.

Themes

Speech & StutteringAnticipation & AvoidanceMeds & SubstancesEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Blocks & StoppagesAvoidance & SubstitutionRecreationa substances (e.g. Alcohol, Cannabis)Anxiety & Social Judgment