Stuttering is a speech condition marked by persistent issues with speech’s natural flow and fluency. It is thought to affect males four times more frequently than females. However, nothing is known about how guys who stutter feel about their masculinity. Men who stutter are bullied, teased, and even considered to be less of a “man”. It pushes them to doubt their own identity.
According to a study conducted by the University of Illinois Stuttering Research Program, the number of female individuals who stutter is substantially lower because they have a higher probability of naturally recovering at a young age. This study found that females were more likely than boys to stammer naturally, heal or grow out of it without therapy (although this was not the case with every child). This demonstrates the significance of beginning therapy as soon as possible to reduce the dangers and chances of developing severe stuttering in the future.
Stuttering causes
The underlying causes of developmental stuttering are still being researched. It’s possible that several things are at play. Developmental stuttering could be brought on by:
Evidence suggests that timing, sensory, and motor coordination issues, as well as other anomalies in speech motor control, may be at play.
Genetics: The trait of stuttering runs throughout families. It seems that inherited (genetic) defects can cause stuttering.
Other factors that cause stuttering
Other factors, aside from developing stuttering, can affect speech fluency. Speech that is delayed, paused between words, or contains repeated sounds can be brought on by a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other brain problems (neurogenic stuttering).
In the presence of emotional strain, speech fluency might also be affected. Dysfluency can occur in speakers who do not stammer when they are anxious or under pressure. Stuttering speakers may become less fluent in these circumstances.
Psychogenic stuttering is a rare form of speech impairment that differs from developmental stuttering in that it develops as a result of emotional stress.
Issues that men who stutter face
Communication difficulties brought on by stuttering frequently influence a person’s quality of life and interpersonal connections. Additionally, stuttering can have a harmful effect on opportunities and job performance, and its treatment can be very expensive.
Severe anxiety
People who stutter frequently experience anxiety because they may find that speaking causes them worry and anxiety, which frequently worsens into more serious problems. Depression and anxiety frequently coexist, and when either condition is left untreated, things can get really bad.
It’s crucial to create an atmosphere that values individual expression and communication for men who stutter and the people who know them. It’s crucial not to speak over someone you know who stutters, try to finish their sentences for them, or otherwise come across as pressed for time as you wait for them to finish what they are saying. These kinds of behaviours can exacerbate anxiety and make speaking difficult for those who stutter.
Lack of confidence
Because they frequently receive negative feedback from their listeners, men who stutter frequently lack the guts to act on their desires. Men who stutter withdraw into a shell out of fear of being rejected, which prevents them from attempting new endeavours in life.
Men with stuttering disorders are bullied, insulted, and made to feel as if they are any less. This results in them questioning their self-worth. They often feel neglected, and it is difficult to fit in. All that pushes their confidence down.
How to give self-therapy
Children, teenagers, and adults who stammer do have the option of receiving speech therapy or other stuttering treatment. For various reasons, a sizeable portion of the population does not have access to speech therapy. Typically, men are burdened with many responsibilities and neglect their own health. Also, speech therapy can be quite expensive. In such cases, it is very important for them to save their personality and self-esteem from harsh societal attacks on their stuttering. Here are some self-therapy techniques with which you can keep your personality smooth even if your words stutter.
Fight for your identity
Is your stammer really holding you back? Unfortunately, our perception of ourselves as “stutterers” is shaped by our repeated experiences with listeners, our parents’ judgments of us, and the reactions of our friends.
Self-confidence, self-esteem, and body image are negatively impacted by years of avoiding social events and interactions. Labels are problematic. They may lead us to assume that we lack the ability to make sound decisions, communicate poorly, or even live independently. It is simple to think that stuttering restricts our potential. But most of the time, we are placing restrictions on ourselves. Let’s start fighting against the label to start our struggle against these limitations.
Solution –
Write about instances where you felt different, dependent, independent, secure, and insecure.
Describe three occasions when you found it difficult to be yourself. Don’t forget to express in writing how you felt at these moments.
List three comments that individuals have made about your stammer. What was your reaction to them?
What adjectives do you think people use to label you and your stuttering? Do these descriptors make sense to you? Why?
Overcoming loneliness
It can be isolating to stutter. Often, our barriers prevent us from expressing our emotions, and other times, we speak only to ourselves. Speech mistakes could make us feel alone and isolated. The frustration of being unable to express your wants, discomforts, loves, dislikes, and so much more is well known to anyone who stutters. We have mastered the art of speaking before judging the audience’s response.
It sets us up for despair and ongoing emotional upheaval, which may influence how we live our lives. Overall, stuttering is a lonely experience.
Solution –
Make a note of the five things that people have said about your stuttering limits. Talk about your most painful experience and why.
What kind of unfavourable remarks have you made to yourself in the following circumstances?
hiring process
ordering food from a restaurant.
Social occasions
presentations in class.
What feelings and emotions underlie each of these remarks?
How does it make you feel when others concentrate more on your stutter than on what you have to say?
Make a brief timeline of incidents that you can recall that are related to your stuttering. Describe them and make a note of your feelings in each situation.
Accepting yourself
You shouldn’t let stuttering control who you are, what you do, or the choices you make. Stutterers feel the need to lower their hopes, modify their dreams, and evaluate their aspirations. The issue arises when we allow our stuttering to rule our lives and tell ourselves, “I could have done this and so, had I not stuttered.”
Solution-
Here are a few activities to help you understand how much your stuttering influences who you are and how it affects the decisions you make in life.
Describe “Life with a Stutter” in your essay.
Write out five instances in which you felt like a “stutterer.”
Name five people who have made you feel like a “stutterer” solely.
What do you hope to get out of marriage, education, employment, and personal relationships?
What do you think of yourself, speech therapy patients, successful people, and fun-loving people?
Conclusion-
The title of this article begs a question. And the answer is, of course, YES!!
Stuttering does not overpower your personality. But only when you let it. It is very easy for people to dominate you with their rough statements and judgements. Surely, the fight is not at all easy. But you can make your own personality your weapon and easily stand out for who you are and the values you hold. Being a man doesn’t mean you should be okay with being teased. Crush the labels and don’t let your stuttering define you.