Recently, many of those to whom I speak with would notice that my stuttering has increased quite a bit. I have so much trouble saying words that start with problem letters such as 'm' and 'w' that I resort to changing the word and saying a synonym such as 'female' instead of 'girl', 'black' instead of 'African-American' or even 'that wonderful continent' instead of 'Europe'! However, all this is when I know I am about to talk to someone, or I am about to have a conversation with an important person or was going to ask the teacher a question. On the other hand, I seemed to have improved my speech significantly when it comes to public speaking and school presentations when I am prepared, and I seem almost cured when I am speaking casually without thinking about my speaking, or when I am angry or energized. But I still stutter when I am about to approach a conversation. During the time I stutter a lot and am in the middle of a big block, it feels like there is a ball in my throat, and when I continue to stutter, it starts to hurt as if I have a minor sore throat. This is something new and strange for me.
So the old question rises again; what causes stuttering? In a couple of my past posts, I have discussed about how stuttering can be caused by a brain disorder, and I have even challenged that point. But now it seems as if the immediate cause, as in why my stuttering increases and decreases from time to time is a combination of brain function, psychology, and neurology. I am not a practitioner in these fields so I am not qualified to give actual serious statements on the cause of stuttering. I am just a high school teenage boy with stuttering and this is my opinion based on what I've read and experienced. So feel free to correct me if you have a better explanation or hypothesis.
I really think stuttering, the original problem is caused by a brain dysfunction on the part that controls speech. Yes, we know what we are going to say and can think like anyone. The problem is that the neurons probably have trouble firing their signals and getting the message to the tongue, vocal cords, lips and mouth. So my tools for vocal speech get all jumbled up and do not function smoothly. The feeling of a minor sore throat is probably caused by the vocal cords working too hard and pressing to much. So neuron-to-muscle malfunction is most probably what causes the actual stuttering.
But what causes the roller coaster of improvements and declines? From my experiences, I say that is very psychological. I have learned a lot from various sources such as Sigmund Freud and more recently, Dr. Daniel Amen. You, the condition of your brain, and your state of mind has a huge effect on your life, your health, your relationships, your behavior, your performance, et cetera. An acquaintance of mine who was studying speech pathology told me about a friend who said he used to stutter. In recent times, that friend rarely stuttered, but after being reminded of how much he used to stutter, his dysfluency came back and was more noticeable. I too have had similar experiences in the past. After a summer of no school, my stuttering improved but after my first day of school therapy, it all came back. I guess it was because I was reminded of my problem and noticed it more from then on.
I have also heard the many cases where people come out of intensive therapy with fluent speech but over time, their stuttering comes back. Well school therapists aren't really specifically specialized in stuttering, but I have also been to separate professional therapists. Doing this has given me many lasting benefits. However, the immediate benefits of fluency can wear out if one does not practice all the time and keep in mind the techniques and advice given. And that presents a problem. Our lives are complicated enough as it is and many are are in a hurry or become too concerned about other things to pay attention and remember those techniques until the stuttering gets really bad. Then another problem arises; if one worries too much about their stuttering then they can end up having more trouble. Many times I am saying something and someone notices that I am very fluent. I realize that they are right even though I have not been thinking about my stuttering at all. When I am too concerned, I get stuck which gets me even more concerned and leads to panic. I think things like stress, and anxiety screws up the already troubled neuron process even more.
So we are presented with a paradox here. We are to remember our techniques and yet not worry about it too much. I think what worsens the neuron process is similar to what worsens other parts of the brain function as well such as performance and self esteem. One needs to avoid drugs, get good sleep, good healthy food, exercise, drink water, manage stress, and all those things that help your brain and enhance your life. I cannot be certain that these will help but just try it out and see what happens! To gain confidence and self esteem I really think staying healthy, getting more involved, learning new things and doing what one does best and seeing the positives of oneself is the best one can do about this.
Lets get more specific about stuttering. I say it really helps if you can get into the habit of saying things and relaxing or really having a feel for what you are saying and not giving a damn about others. This comes with someone who is confident yet relaxed, has enthusiasm for what he or she is saying, and has a good enough opinion of himself/herself. I know that I have many faults, but I also know that I have some good qualities and therefore I have a pretty high opinion on my opinions :). But this is very difficult for many people and once you become concerned about stuttering, it is hard to let it go. The more you try not to be worried, to more worried you become. When it comes to that, then you have to remember the things your therapist taught you. The best thing is to prepare well prior to the speech, presentation, or situation, so you are used to saying what you will be saying and know how to use the techniques. Winston Churchill had to do extra practice before giving his famous speeches so that he got it right when it counted.
Stuttering and may be even its causes are different for different people so see what works out for you. Try Sharing your opinions on what you think is the cause of your stuttering and what helps you the most.
