Every human has the basic urge for love and acceptance. Fear of embarrassment, exclusion, and sadness all play a role in our emotional well being. The persistent worry of not being enough because of the way we speak exaggerates our fear, making us more prone to choose isolation from family and friends.

Happiness, and a sense of self are linked to our ability to express our emotions, experiences, and memories.

This week’s featured story explores a person’s experience with stuttering and the emotional isolation they suffered as a result.

I have been born with a stutter, I always felt isolated and alienated, even in kindergarten.

Honestly, currently I visualize my stutter as a resilient and patient entity, it doesn’t care how long it will take but when you’re at your worst and overwhelmed by everything and everyone, that’s when it hurts the most. The worst part of it all, you aren’t mute nor fluent, you are in-between, and that leaves room for you to beat yourself over it and feel utter guilt or when old friendships die out and you’re just stuck there alone and isolated without a sense of community or friendships. The mental baggage that comes with a stutter is the worst.

I am still adapting and learning, but hopefully one day I’ll be truly happy and accepting of myself.

You. Aren’t. Alone. I know first hand the feeling of isolation and loneliness and utter depression you can feel when you’re at your worst. But honestly the sense of knowing that there are people out there who share the exact same pain you deal with, makes you feel connected and close to those people. and elevate the feelings of loneliness that come with stuttering.  

Today according to me there needs to be more social acceptance and more people treating you with respect and dignity.

Takeaway from this story is that it is okay to need help. It is okay to ask for it. Whether from a speech therapist, a therapist, family member or a friend. You don’t need to be alone in your journey or your emotions.

And you most definitely don’t need to feel guilty, it most certainly is not your fault. As difficult and painful as it might be, talking about your emotions and feelings help you move out of the hurt and shame and into acceptance and understanding. To and for yourself.

Do not be pressured by what society considers acceptable. Allowing your thoughts to confine your future is not a good idea. Because the ones who love you will always make room to listen to what you have to say and understand your feelings.

A profound quote by Demi Lovato holds true for every person fighting emotional turmoil alone “You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it.”

All you have to do is trust that when you step forward and ask for help, you will find it. There are people in your life that care about you and are in your corner.