postr/StutterMay 1, 2014

Why stuttering is more of a problem than just the talking aspect and why it is underrated as a problem

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Content

Why stuttering is more of a problem than just the talking aspect and why it is underrated as a problem So not many people know that I stutter. Funnily enough I went through years of school without many people pointing it out. They just thought I was socially awkward or a weirdo. Anyway, the people who did know usually thought that it can't be too bad, I mean, I only talk infrequently and don't stutter much. However, lately I've come to realise that it's the psychological toll it takes on the brain. Ordering a movie ticket for example. I may stutter for three seconds, but the anxious build up is what affects me the most. In the car on the way to the movies my heart races, waiting in line my heart races, I begin to analyse which words to use. "Hmm, should I say Amazing spiderman 2 movie please.. hmm no, I can't say Amazing, hm, I'll just say that spiderman film". Stuff like that. Before I go to bed I usually review my speech for the day and upcoming days. People can see the struggle when you're talking, which lasts for a few seconds, but they can't see the agony that takes place in the mind. It's like seeing a two hour movie and thinking "wow that was pretty short" and not realising it took two years to prepare and film. So, do you think people underrate stuttering as a problem just because they don't understand the psychological effects?

Themes

Emotional ExperienceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Shame & EmbarrassmentAnxiety & Social JudgmentHelplessness & AgencyIdentity & Self-Perception