Managing Frustration in Conversations

Day 13

With speech and language disorders, communication doesn’t come as easily as it once did. Words can get stuck, thoughts can feel jumbled, and sentences may take longer than you—or anyone else—expects. This shift can create frustration, not just for the person with aphasia, but for family, friends, and others trying to understand and help.

Managing frustration in conversations has been one of the hardest lessons of my recovery. It’s easy to feel isolated or misunderstood when words don’t flow as you want them to, or when others don’t give you the time you need.

My Experience

I’ve found that frustration often shows up in two ways:

1. Frustration with myself. I sometimes get impatient when words don’t come, or when I feel I can’t express exactly what I want to say.

2. Frustration with others. Even people who mean well can interrupt, finish my sentences, or rush conversations. That can make me feel invisible, unheard, or misunderstood.

   
   

I’ll be honest—this has been a delicate balancing act. I sometimes interrupt others when a word suddenly comes to me, even though I dislike being interrupted myself. I’m still learning.

What Helps

Through trial and error, I’ve found a few strategies that ease tension and make interactions more positive:

• Take a breath before responding. A moment to pause helps calm frustration and gives both sides space.

• Using strategies from speech therapy. Even though it’s frustrating not to use the exact word I want to use, when I give myself permission to use a word that is similar, the person I’m talking to can usually understand what I want to say. Using synonyms is just one strategy I learned in speech therapy that helps.

• One Topic. We often ask our communication partners to stick to one topic at a time. I often confuse my communication partners by blurting out comments not consistent to what we were talking about because I got a “great” idea and couldn’t wait. It has helped if I can remember to say “I want to talk about x topic” before I just blurt out my fantastic thought.

• Use visual cues or gestures. Pointing, writing a word, or showing a picture can reduce miscommunication.

• Practice self-advocacy gently. Saying, “I need a moment to find my words” or “Please speak one step at a time” helps others understand your pace.

• Acknowledge effort, not just outcome. Both your effort and the patience of others deserve recognition.

• Know when to step away. Short breaks can prevent arguments or tension from escalating.

  
  

Frustration can strain relationships, but it doesn’t have to define them. By noticing when tension rises and using small strategies, communication becomes less about perfection and more about connection.

Relationships thrive when both sides recognize:

• Speaking takes energy.

• Listening takes patience.

• Effort matters more than speed.

  
  

Daily Reflection

Think about a recent conversation that left you frustrated. What one small action could have made it feel calmer or more connected? Could you ask for more time, use a gesture, or pause for a breath before responding?

💬 Today’s Takeaway Tip

Frustration is natural, but it doesn’t have to control your interactions.Breathe, pause, and remember that connection is more important than perfect speech

#bogboost #aphasia #communcation