 I used to stutter a lot as a kid, but I found a workaround as I was very ashamed. I taught myself -and got used to replacing words mid-sentence when I felt that I would probably stutter at a particular word. Then, as I got older, I got so good at it that it is (to this day) barely noticeable that I stutter at all.

Now the big issue: My name is one of those things that I can't replace and one of the "words" that makes me stutter the most. So I have been avoiding having to introduce myself or say my name at all costs. Then, around 2 years ago, I had a new job where they unexpectedly asked me to introduce myself in front of all my new colleagues. As expected, this was the worst scenario I could imagine at the time. I got so nervous and dizzy that it took around 6 seconds to say anything at all (while they were all staring at me, waiting to say something), which was "My name is.." and then around 5 seconds again before I finally said it, which sounded even worse because of the delay which made me out of breath. Shortly after, I lost that same job because of covid. After that, I didn't want to search for another job again because of the anxiety. I've had one job since (as I'm a student), where I started using a nickname whenever I had to say my name. Still, whenever I saw a new colleague or someone that could potentially introduce themselves, I (suddenly) went to the toilet to avoid the situation.

It is hindering my career and life tbh, and it might sound like I am exaggerating, which I probably am. I have no clue if it is a confidence issue at this point or something I have to accept and live with/use a nickname (which is, fortunately, an abbreviation of my two names). As in my username, "TJ" or "T-Jay" instead of "Terry Jay". If anyone has some advice, thanks.