Oh I'm well aware - I used to do the things you mention as well, but as it seems that OP's stutter has worsened according to his mental health, and self esteem issues, that means it can swing the other way as well. But then again that's just from my own experiences, because i discovered that my own attitude towards my stutter directly influences it. With that being said, I also don't think that avoidance is the correct way to deal with it, no matter how convenient it is to just say something else.