postr/StutterOctober 10, 2022

How do I stop the negative self-judgment every time I stutter?

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Content

How do I stop the negative self-judgment every time I stutter? It seems like my mind is constantly evaluating: is my speech good or not? I use some fluency techniques right now.. If I speak well, I'm amazing! I give myself praise. If I stutter/panic/push words out, I suck! I am relapsing! I am angry/frustrated/mad at myself. My speech is either evaluated as "good" or "bad". It's like I am going through my day, and I'm a critic, constantly looking for things to praise and criticize. Sometimes when my speech is really bad, it feels like I have a negative cloud over my head. My mood is ruined. I put on a fake smile to my listeners, but deep down I am frustrated and beating myself up for that stuttering moment. I am in my mid 30's and I still have the same mental habits as when I was a teenager. Has anyone been able to fix this?

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceEmotional Experience

Subthemes

Overthinking & MonitoringShame & EmbarrassmentFrustration & AngerAnxiety & Social Judgment