Sound of my voice and pronouncing words. Is this SA????

[tygiag]

I don't know if these symptoms are social anxiety, ocd, avpd or a messed up brain. I figured that somebody on this forum would have an idea about what it is and how to treat it.

First off, I don't get anxious in social situations. At least not what I call anxious. My heart doesn't pound, I don't sweat and I love engaging in conversation.

My main symptoms are off and on but are starting to become more "on" then "off".

When I talk to people, my mouth and lips almost become paralyzed and I will slur my speech. In addition, I lose confidence in my speech and I can't pronounce long words that I otherwise could. For example the word "promiscuous" (I stumbled on this one today)

The only time my speech is good is when I am a little "manic". Then I can talk like the best salesman in the world.

Otherwise, it is like my brain is not working correctly.

Some of my issues are low self esteem, perfectionism, narcissism etc. When I stumble on my speech I lose confidence and cannot get it back.

I can't take SSRI's because my body flips out when I'm on them (even though they help).

If I could solve the speech problem then I could live a pretty normal life. I am educated, athletic and a pretty good looking person. The speech is getting so bad that it is holding me back professionally and personally. Sometimes people who don't know me think I'm drunk when I talk.

Any ideas what this is and how to treat it?

 

[jaim38]

Welcome to the forum. Maybe you need to work on your verbal skills so that you have more confidence in yourself next time when you speak to people. I can relate to what you say.

When I talk to people, my mouth and lips almost become paralyzed and I will slur my speech. In addition, I lose confidence in my speech and I can't pronounce long words that I otherwise could. For example the word "promiscuous" (I stumbled on this one today)

I also have trouble pronouncing certain words crisply, especially curse words and words with sexual connotations. I know, I'm so puritan!

The only time my speech is good is when I am a little "manic". Then I can talk like the best salesman in the world.

Me too. When I feel strong emotions like anger, hatred, etc I can rattle on for even an hour.

Some of my issues are low self esteem, perfectionism, narcissism etc. When I stumble on my speech I lose confidence and cannot get it back.

I also get disheartened by even the slightest mistake or failure, but now I try to stand back up and trudge forward without looking back.

 

[tygiag]

If that is the case, why do SSRI's completely eliminate these symptoms?

My situation goes through highs and lows, so I know this cannot be a physical problem. In my mind, it has to be a learned behavior.

 

[jaim38]

I have never taken SSRIs so I'm not sure what to say about this. Highly recommend that you seek professional opinion on this.

 

[tygiag]

Been to about 5 different docs/psychs.......nobody knows what is causing it and everyones answer is SSRI.

I know there has to be a mechanism at work that can be treated with a specific supplement or drug. SSRI seem like a blanket medicine that docs prescribe to fix all kinds of problems. My body rejects them and it isn't pretty when I take them so they are out of the question.

What kind of treatment are you on or have you done? Supplements/therapy that help?

 

[jaim38]

I'm not on any treatment or therapy plan. I do practice yoga and meditation every now and then which helps calm my mind. I'm trying to improve my verbal skills. I currently volunteer for an organization which gets me out of my comfort zone. I'm planning to skype with people so that I have more confidence speaking.