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i was wondering if anybody knows if depression can effect your speech...ive always stuttered but it has gotten alot worse since my depression....i trip on my words alot...maybe anxiety is a contributing factor...also a lack of confidence
Hi there, it makes complete sense to me that your stuttering would worsen during times of crisis. I have ocasionnally been labelled as having a "speech impairement" because at my lowest moments, my voice gets very quiet - I think the lack of confidence, the fear, anxiety, and shame brought on by the depression have a huge impact. Medication also has an effect on cognitive response. One of my meds makes my brain all fuzzy at times and even though I know what I want to say, I can't get the words out of my mouth.
Hang it there!
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I have been fortunate enough not to have problems with speech in general HOWEVER when I get stressed I do stutter, have difficulty thinking of the exact words I want to say (getting them mixed up with others), start sentences and forget the ends, etc. It helps me to do breathing exercises (like breathing in to the count of three and out from four to six), get away from others for thinking space, and relax with puzzles/watching TV/going for walks/etc.
Then I'm sure you have a whole hoard of relaxing techniques of your own, right? You sound like you've had your fair share of anxiety to deal with and I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's a little bit of a relief to know that the stuttering isn't something more serious rather 'just' another symptom of anxiety and I hope you manage to get a hold on it soon - it is very frustrating (to say the least) I know. Keep writing here - you'll get some sympathy at the very least