My Voice has Gone! Could it be due to Stress?!

Mental Health and the Voice

Do you get that lump in your throat, when you're trying your best not to cry?

It feels tight and sore!

That's an example of the impact of emotional stress on your vocal cords.

Stress to everyone is personal and unique to each individual.

You may feel stress and tension as a result of a bereavement, emotional or physical abuse, trauma, health problems, or work may be getting on top of you.

Stress may lead to acid reflux- discussed in my recent post 'Jessie J- Voice, Acid Reflux and Vocal Nodules', which can negatively impact on vocal function further.

Managing the depth of the problem is the main battle:

• Counselling

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Meditation

• Yoga

• Arranging a chat with Occupational Health,

• Delegating

• Having a work/life balance

• Engaging in activities which help you to unwind; a nice relaxing bath, or going for a walk.

• Learning to say 'No'.

Carrying out neck, shoulder, tongue, lip and jaw stretches may also be beneficial, as stress may result in tightness of all of these areas; leading to a reduction in the free flow of voice.

Voice production requires areas surrounding the vocal cords to be relaxed, otherwise you are likely to experience strain, tightness and tension when trying to speak, as well as reduced flow of air/breath, to enable the vocal cords to vibrate, and to project voice accordingly.

A Speech and Language therapist may be able to assist you with further deconstriction exercises, to promote restoration of voice, alongside receiving therapy for your mental health.

Click on the link below to see a resource available to assist with looking after your voice.

Looking after your Voice

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L A Mark Speech Therapy

Leeanne Mark

Speech and Language therapist