[trilobite30]

My fiancée has a few speech problems and I'm wondering what causes it and if it could be linked to anxiety. He sometimes stumbles to find the right word--especially in front of people he doesn't know. He also mumbles a lot or says things really fast so that it's really hard to figure out what he said. He uses a lot of filler words as well. Also, at times he will repeat the last thing he said in a sentence. I think he struggles with anxiety because he has mentioned to me a couple of times that he's had a panic attack. He is a great guy but these verbal ticks annoy me at times and I don't know how to help him or even if I can.

[Sunflower123]

Hello. Welcome to PC. I'm sure it annoys and stresses him as well. He could go to a speech therapist or approach it another way and try anxiety medication to see if that helps. Good luck and best wishes.

[Travelinglady]

Welcome! I agree with Jennifer. That said, I think most folks can have speech problems when nervous--but some people more than others.

[possum220]

Welcome to PC.

A person who stutters does not choose to do it. He is not doing it to annoy you. It is scary and humiliating. He may benefit by seeing a psychiatrist about his anxiety. Seeing a speech therapist may also help him to control his breathing and gain better control.

When he is struggling with his words it helps when a person is supportive. Saying something like "take your time" is a positive thing that eases anxiety.

I didn't have a problem with stuttering until I was 38. It hit when I had a breakdown. The words felt broken up in my head and that's the way they came out. Stuttering and other tics are horrid. I found myself on the end of jokes until people realized that I wasn't joking. For the most part I have had professional help and my stuttering and tics have eased even gone but on bad days they are back. (I am only telling you this so you maybe you can gain a better understanding what it's is like from his side).

Encourage him to get help. Encourage him to breathe. If he does go and get help maybe you could get guidance on how you can help.

6 Tips for Speaking With Someone Who Stutters | Stuttering Foundation: A Nonprofit Organization Helping Those Who Stutter

[Keyplayer]

Hi trilobite30 ,

Welcome to our family

I have a story to tell you , you off course are to young to even know who Carly Simon is , but she had the same problem in grade school when ever she was called upon to stand up and speak in front of the whole class. She told her teacher , I just can`t get the words out right , luckily she had a fantastic teacher and her teacher said "well try , what ever works best for you" , so she sang ! her lessons to her classmates , she still has a beautiful voice.

And the world ended up hearing her voice , and became a better place because of it.

That my friend is a true story. I am not going to tell you too tell your fiancée to sing his way through life , just let him know you support him and it will be ok , and like possum220 suggested , speech therapy , it could not hurt.

In any event , I hope you both find peace and happiness , God knows the world can use all it can find.

I invite your mate to join us sometime , we have fantastic people here

You take care , ok ? , later

Keyplayer. 