My phone wont let me go to text messages

[AC Question]

Recently my phone wont let me go to my text messaging. It also slows down or stops working for a couple of seconds at a time

 

[ManiacJoe]

Which phone?
Which version of android?
Which carrier?
Which texting app?

What do you mean by "won't let you go to"?
What happens when you tap the app icon?
What is the exact wording of any error message you get?