A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes: hey, i've got quite a bad stutter, and more often than not whenever i approach people they can't get past it and although are kind to me while i'm there, once i leave i hear them tease me and take the mickey.this obviously takes a toll on my confidence which annoyingly makes my stutter worse. so the predicament i'm currently in is just a vicious circle.my doctor say's it is simply stress related and to remove the stress removes the problem. but obviously, as i'm still in school, removing the stress of peers means removing myself from school, which means me stressing over exams and everything else. so basically he was useless. i don't know who to talk to to try and get this problem sorted out, my mum does her best, but other than offer to be a sounding board for my frustration, there isn't alot she can do.if you could offer any advice on how to help me get over my stutter, or even a way that i can just get out some of the more difficult words (B's R's and D's) then it would be so appreciated you would not believe it.thankyou in advanceStuttering xx
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female
reader, DrPsych +, writes (24 January 2011):
Some GP's can be hopeless at dealing with speech and language difficulties. You need to find out which GP in your registered practice has expertise in child and adolescent health. All GP's have a special interest or two. You need to see the doctor with an interest in young persons health issues. Take a look on the GP website as that will sometimes tell you their interests, or get your mum to ring the clinic. Don't expect the GP to treat you directly, but you need a referral to a speech therapist who can help you as they trained to deal with stamming. Check out the British Stamming Association which includes links to treatment on the NHS and sources of support. If your parents can afford it, you could see a private speech therapist until you get to make contact with your local NHS specialist. Your school should also have a statement of your special educational needs. You are entitled to see an educational psychologist who can assess your needs. If you are having stress-related academic difficulties related to your speech then your school have a legal duty of care towards you. You need to see a teacher that you can trust and ask for help. Or, get your mother to contact the school and demand (politely) help. In some areas there are drop in centres that will do free assessments and treatment of speech and language disabilities. I have one in my area. Google to see what is available near you.
A
female
reader, CindyCares +, writes (24 January 2011):
Stress is probably a consequence, and not the cause , of your predicament.
In any case , you need to see a good logopaedist and work with him consistently to have appreciable results.
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A
female
reader, FloridaCatGirl +, writes (24 January 2011):
I'm sorry you are experiencing problems with stuttering. Are you aware that some of the most famous people in history were stutterers? Marilyn Monroe, Carly Simon, James Earl Jones, Tiger Woods, Bruce Willis, Mike Rowe... the list goes on! Don't ever let this stand in the way of your happiness and career pursuit!
Fortunately, this is something that can be treated! Your next step is to contact a Speech-Language Therapist who specializes in stuttering. Your doctor or a school counselor should be able to recommend one. If not, you can look one up yourself, but make sure their specialty is working with stutterers. This is very important, so do this as soon as possible. One more thing... I'm not familiar with the UK schooling system, but many American schools employ Speech Therapists, so you may have access to one through your school.
You stated that your doctor thinks stress is a factor. Do you have anxieties? If so, it wouldn't hurt to seek out a psychologist or school counselor who can help you deal with your stress. Everybody has stress in their lives, but if your stress is causing you to stutter, you may want to talk to someone who can help you work on coping mechanisms.
I just did a quick internet search and found some great organizations with online information regarding stuttering (for example, The Stuttering Foundation). You might find it inspiring. In addition, you may want to find other teens who are dealing with the same issue. I'm sure there's a forum for that somewhere on the internet.
Again, make an appointment with a Speech Therapist. And be sure to give us an update in the future! Good luck!!!
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A
male
reader, CaringGuy +, writes (24 January 2011):
My friend used to have a stutter, and to be honest the only way he got over it was to see an elocution specialist. Maybe if your stutter is bad, you should try that. Of if you are stressed, then maybe you need to see a counsellor to try and sort out the stress in your life. You'll find it very hard to get over a stutter by yourself without something that will address either the stutter or your stress.
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