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Fear of verbally expressing emotions

User Profile: gentleCranberry8554
gentleCranberry8554 March 15th, 2022

I don't know if there's a name for it, but I have an almost crippling fear of expressing my thoughts and emotions out loud to other people. This includes my general emotions, complimenting people, explaining my actions, singing, and even saying a person's name to get their attention, among other things.

I can't think of a single time in the 8 years my husband and I have been together that I've spoken his name to him. I find it almost impossible to compliment him or even tell him "I love you". He has to pull it out of me and I know he probably thinks I don't mean it. I do love him dearly and there's an endless list of things to compliment him on, I just physically can't say them out loud. My heart starts pounding, I get lightheaded, my stomach heaves, my mouth dries up, and my voice leaves me. I get these reactions will all people but they're most intense with the people that matter most to me.

I think it's partially a fear of disappointing others, but I also feel there's more to it than that. When I was a child I was expected to be perfect at all times. Anything less than perfection led to punishment, either grounding or physically with a belt. I never had anyone to open up to that I could trust so I just didn't at all to avoid being punished. Is there a phobia I've developed or is it just intense social anxiety?

2
User Profile: Eudaimonia99
Eudaimonia99 March 27th, 2022

@gentleCranberry8554

It sounds like your childhood experience may cause you to have fear to show your true self. Heart-pounding, lightheaded, stomach heaves, and mouth-drying do show signs of nervousness. Based on the frequency and levels of symptoms, it may count as anxiety.

Everyone has a different personality. People have their way of expressing their emotions in different ways. If verbally does not work for you, another way to show your emotion may work. Exploring what works for you will be a start. Wish you the best.