Why have I suddenly started stuttering?

Many people contact us to tell us that they have suddenly started stuttering. It may be that they stuttered as a child but the stutter either resolved or it was not having an impact on their lives. Rather than starting to stutter suddenly, their earlier stuttering may have come back unexpectedly.

It may be that you are feeling stressed or anxious – that you are having changes in your life such as interviews for a new job, going on dates with new people, or making a wedding speech. These situations may lead you to tense your muscles and lead to more stuttering, or that you are noticing the stutter more than before, in the preparation to these important events.  

It may be that work situations have changed – since the Pandemic, many people are working from home using video conferencing which may have been something you previously avoided. People report seeing themselves on videoconferencing has made them stutter more and to become more aware of the stutter.  

For a few people, stuttering does suddenly start in adulthood as a result of a neurological event, such as a stroke, and is called a neurogenic stammer. Stuttering may also start as a result of an emotional trauma, commonly known as psychogenic stuttering.  

Should you start to stutter suddenly in adulthood, following assessment we may need to make an onward referral to rule out a neurological diagnosis or to seek additional psychological support.

Speech Therapy can support you in increasing your confidence, reducing your stress and anxiety around stuttering and developing strategies to make talking easier. Click on the contact us button to arrange a free consultation or email us for more information.