commentr/StutterFebruary 25, 2025

Content

I'm so sorry you feel this way--please know that our empathy here is sincere and felt. This pain is SEEN. Now, not sure if this is helpful, but in my experience cultures can help differently with this. I was raised in Italy, and the attitude there about stuttering was SO MUCH WORSE than elsewhere, although I must say it has improved. When I lived in London, or now in the US, the stuttering remains but nobody is making fun of me, nobody is rolling their eyes at me when I try to speak. I know it's a long shot, but at your age you could have an experience abroad. It's good on many levels, such as getting to know yourself outside of the judgment and projections of your family and circle of acquaintances. But as stutterers, you could also experience how it feels to just exist for a bit, on your own terms, and that can be so precious. I ended up moving permanently, but I think the first 2 months in England already changed me so much, and I could have stayed in Italy with a new mindset. I felt stronger, surer of myself--the memory of my RIGHT to exist as a person remained, and gave me clearer eyes to see many people as bullies, not friends. And of course, it helped me see the people who did love me with new gratitude. Best of luck. It gets better: you get better, and you can choose who you surround yourself with.

Themes

Social & RelationshipsIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Family Support & ConflictIdentity & Self-PerceptionStigma & Bullying