Why does my voice tremble even though I don't feel nervous inside, and what should I do about it?

Jan 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Common causes of voice trembling despite not feeling psychologically nervous include subconscious stress, improper vocal technique, social phobia, anxiety disorders, and essential tremor. In daily life, lifestyle modifications may help reduce voice trembling—for example, avoiding excessive fatigue, ensuring adequate sleep, and reducing intake of alcohol and other stimulant beverages.

Under normal circumstances, the reasons why the voice may tremble despite not feeling psychologically nervous include subconscious stress, improper pronunciation, social phobia, anxiety disorder, and essential tremor. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for appropriate treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Subconscious Stress

Subconscious stress may trigger a self-protection mechanism, making individuals appear calm on the surface while still experiencing tension and unease at a physical level. This tension can affect control over the vocal cord muscles, leading to a shaky voice or difficulty speaking. Engaging in physical activities such as yoga, tai chi, or running may help release emotional tension and promote physical and mental balance and relaxation.

2. Improper Pronunciation

Incorrect pronunciation may lead to muscle tension in the mouth and throat. This muscular tension can impair control over the vocal cords, resulting in a trembling voice, inability to produce sound, or an abnormally soft voice. Using a recording device or smartphone to record and review one's own speech can provide useful feedback. Listening to recordings helps identify pronunciation issues and areas for improvement, enabling better self-awareness and correction.

3. Social Phobia

Social phobia may be related to an individual’s social environment and personal experiences. Individuals with social phobia may experience autonomic nervous system responses when interacting with others, such as increased heart rate, deeper breathing, and muscle tension. These physiological reactions can cause voice trembling even if the person feels relatively relaxed mentally. Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as venlafaxine hydrochloride sustained-release capsules, mirtazapine tablets, or maprotiline hydrochloride tablets.

4. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder may arise from psychological factors. During an anxiety episode, the autonomic nervous system releases stress hormones such as adrenaline, which can affect muscle contraction and relaxation. This may result in symptoms such as a trembling voice, a strong urge to escape, or reluctance to communicate—even when the individual does not feel mentally tense. Under medical guidance, medications such as lorazepam tablets, oxazepam tablets, or amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Essential Tremor

Essential tremor may be associated with abnormalities in the brain's motor control regions. Abnormal neuronal activity in these regions may lead to involuntary muscle contractions and relaxations. This abnormal activity can affect the vocal cord muscles, causing symptoms such as voice trembling, limb shaking, or pain. Medications such as propranolol hydrochloride tablets, alprenolol hydrochloride tablets, or gabapentin capsules may be used under medical supervision.

In daily life, lifestyle modifications may help reduce voice trembling. For example, avoiding excessive fatigue, ensuring adequate sleep, and reducing intake of alcohol and other stimulants are beneficial measures.