Have you ever felt the overwhelming frustration of wanting to say something, but the words just wouldn't come out? We all know how that feels from time to time. What most of us don't know is how it feels to have that experience nearly every single time we open our mouths to speak. Could you imagine trying to speak and never knowing if it will come out the way you need it to? People who stutter know all too well how that feels and the frustration that goes along with it. Each and every day of their lives, they need to make a conscious effort to try to be fluent in their speech just so that others can understand them. It is a day-to-day challenge for them to try to function in a world where the majority of us take speaking fluently for granted.
I, myself, don't stutter, but my precious daughter does. I know all to well how frustrating stuttering can be and I feel for her so much. But, she is brave and she is strong. She tries, tries and tries again and doesn't give up. She knows that she is important and valued and that we will be patient and listen to her as much as she needs us to. I raised her to know that stuttering is completely fine and a stutterer is who she is. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. People just need to learn to be a little patient with her while she tries to convey her thoughts so that she is able to verbalize them. She is fine with that and tries not to let her stuttering stop her from making friends or participating in social settings.
But, not all people who stutter or who have any type of speech impairment have been so incredibly supported in their journey. Unfortunately, kids can be very cruel and having any sort of speech problem can make them targets for teasing, bullying, mocking, etc. These types of experiences can stay in the minds of people and cause them to fear speaking in front of others for fear of being ridiculed. Some are afraid to try to talk on the phone fearing that people will not understand and hang up on them. Others may avoid any type of social settings like dating, parties, after-work gatherings, etc., for fear that they will be judged or ostracized by the group. It is a constant fear within them and the last thing they want to do is make it worse by trying to discuss their fears with a therapist. Trying to verbalize their fears about having to be verbal at all is enough to just push someone over the edge. There is a solution, though, for those who wish to talk to someone to help relieve their frustrations without having to actually speak at all--online friendship and support or counseling services.
Finally, people with speech impairments who have difficulty expressing their thoughs verbally can type away allowing the keyboard to provide their words and be their voice. They can communicate their thoughts as quickly as they can type them and with virtually no frustration for them at all. What a relief! Online friendship and support services can offer great support to those who need it and offer a wonderful outlet for people who have so much to say and need so much for us just to take the time to stop and listen.
Your Friend, Hope
yourfriendhope.com
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