postr/StutterMarch 9, 2026

Any help appreciated

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Content

Any help appreciated Hi, I am a 19-year-old male and a first-year university student. I've found that my fear of speaking and low self-confidence are quite pronounced. I've always had a slight stutter, but throughout my life, I was so vivacious that I managed to overcome it. However, during times of great stress, it would return. When COVID hit and I was stuck inside for online classes, I redeveloped my stutter and became more closed off. I’ve become more outgoing and less awkward now, but the struggle remains. During my high school years, I experienced limited issues with my friends, teachers, and even new students; many people didn't even know I had a stutter. It was always something I felt embarrassed about. However, outside of school, I often felt like a mess when interacting with my parents, grandparents, service personnel, and others. This was perplexing to me because I could be smooth and outgoing in some settings, yet feel like a bumbling train wreck in others. Now, as I return to college, I feel like I’ve regressed. I’m so fearful that I struggle to even say my name, and people look at me as if I’m less than others. I’ve made a few friends and surprisingly experienced limited stuttering with them, but even then, I'm not entirely comfortable. I specifically struggle with the sounds/letters G, S, F, D, C, and K, which really trip me up. I’m seeking help with this issue. Furthermore, I’m unsure if my way of speaking helps or hinders me. I speak with a very low voice, and I use my hands when I talk. I’m not certain if this is bad, good, or something else entirely.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceEmotional ExperienceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionHiding & ConcealmentOverthinking & MonitoringAnxiety & Social JudgmentIdentity & Self-Perception