shuze
20-10-09, 11:52
Hi, I'm 45, and have what has variously been described to me as mild or acute anxiety. I've suffered with a stutter since about 11 years old, and it has had a huge influence on my life, as has my general anxiety.
Naturally quiet, people would describe me as intelligent, friendly but reserved. Despite the stutter, I make friends easily, I have a very good job, and a wonderful life.
In fact many who meet me don't even realise about the stutter for a while, because I've become so adept at masking it. But make no mistake it is there.
The anxiety/stutter only really becomes a big problem at work. Big meetings and presentations are, as you can imagine, a big challenge.
I've tried CBT (marginal success), excercise (a big help), beta-blockers (really effective) and finally, facing up to my fears and just doing it (some success). Unfortunately, I've also used alcohol to excess for some time.
But overall, I've learned to accept who I am, to understand & manage my condition, and enjoy life most of the time.
Anyway, that's me. I've been reading some of the posts on here and I'm struck by the sense of camaraderie. I hope I can help by sharing some personal experiences, especially with anyone younger in a similar situation.
Naturally quiet, people would describe me as intelligent, friendly but reserved. Despite the stutter, I make friends easily, I have a very good job, and a wonderful life.
In fact many who meet me don't even realise about the stutter for a while, because I've become so adept at masking it. But make no mistake it is there.
The anxiety/stutter only really becomes a big problem at work. Big meetings and presentations are, as you can imagine, a big challenge.
I've tried CBT (marginal success), excercise (a big help), beta-blockers (really effective) and finally, facing up to my fears and just doing it (some success). Unfortunately, I've also used alcohol to excess for some time.
But overall, I've learned to accept who I am, to understand & manage my condition, and enjoy life most of the time.
Anyway, that's me. I've been reading some of the posts on here and I'm struck by the sense of camaraderie. I hope I can help by sharing some personal experiences, especially with anyone younger in a similar situation.