for any “first aid” practical help with stuttering i highly recommend this self-therapy book: https://www.stutteringhelp.org/sites/default/files/Migrate/book0012_11th_ed.pdf first of all thanks for sharing your story and being so honest - venting every now and then is fine. it seems like you feel your stutter prevents you from having control over your (future) life, and right now you’re avoiding social contact with other people irl, which isn’t that unhealthy either. we all have times when we just feel like not wanting talk to people, regardless of your age or having a speech impediment in order for you to live a more comfortable life, it’s important to take a step back for a little bit. imagine it’s the other way around: a loved one reaches out to you for advice on how to deal with stutter in future adult life. how would you approach this situation *rationally*? would you tell them it’s very important to fear that they won’t be financially independent, won’t be able to find a job, won’t be able to handle calls or take part in discussion? you wouldn’t, because you’d want to focus on what helps them move forward, rather than focussing on fears that aren’t helpful in any way help yourself like you would help a loved one. you sound like a knowledgeable person - use that knowledge to tackle this issue you’re having in a rational and sensible way. you have a stutter. does that instantly equal not being able to live an independent adult life? obviously it doesn’t. it may seem like having a stutter is the focal point of your life, when it really, really isn’t. having a stutter can make life difficult at times yes, but ultimately the real issue is how much you will let the fears and emotions affect your daily life: that’s 100% your choice and **in your own control** whether you have a stutter or not, you still have things to say and stories to tell, no matter how severe your blocks. you are a unique person with a unique personality, your stutter is only a part of it. it takes a while to (fully) become aware of this. it takes a while until you start caring slightly less of what people think of you, and therefore caring less about what people might think of your stutter. i’m telling you this as a stuttering (financially independent ha) adult in his mid-twenties. as you grow older you will come to realise that life isn’t just about stuttering or fluency, and that there’s much more to it than that. you will grow as a person, which is one of the most exciting things about adult life if you want to become more fluent, you have to be willing to work hard for it, persevere, and endure all the discomfort that comes along with it, but be very patient at the same time. it might take years until you grow out of certain habits and negative thought patterns. just remember to not take life all too seriously. from time to time just take a step back, take a look at how insignificant your problems may be compared to the universe you live in. eventually you’re just here to enjoy life. having a stutter makes no difference