postr/StutterJanuary 18, 2022

Does anyone else have PTSD-like symptoms due to stuttering severely in the past?

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Does anyone else have PTSD-like symptoms due to stuttering severely in the past? I would say I’ve overcome my stuttering mostly. I don’t have severe anxiety around people and public speaking as much. I’ve recently been having episodes where I think back on all the opportunities I’ve missed out on and the many embarrassments I’ve had because of stuttering. I was too anxious to talk to the girls I liked or the girls who I thought were giving me signs to talk to them, because I was scared I would stutter and sweat and embarrass myself. Which did happen a few times. I also remember the time where I stuttered in class, and I feel like I’m back in the classroom at that moment. Everyone is intently listening and laughing at my mistakes. Either that or pitying me. My most embarrassing moment was in theater class and I gave a 1 minute monologue, which turned into 3 long minutes where I stuttered on each word. I was sweating and shaking by the end, where everyone clapped in pity. I think. I don’t know, I just wanted to sit down so I could bury my head in my arms. That happened when I was 17. I’m 26 now and still remember those feelings vividly, and I can’t get it out of my head. I’m sorry for the rant, I just get angry thinking of having the best years of my life stolen by something I can’t control. I could have been more confident, therefore more attractive and been in a relationship by now if I didn’t stutter. I could have felt more connected to others and I wouldn’t be stigmatized. Stuttering feels like a prison of sorts. Do you remember the feeling of being in grade school and waiting for recess, and you hear the other kids playing outside while you’re stuck in class? That’s generally how I feel when I think of my stutter. TL;DR I feel intense anger and resentment because I feel that stuttering stole the best years of my life, my youth, from me.

Themes

Causes & VariabilityEmotional ExperienceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Trauma & PsychologicalFrustration & AngerSadness & HopelessnessStigma & Bullying