What worked for me over time was more of a mental shift, a more macro outlook than micro one. Rather than focus on the particular area, I would let it pass, try not to think about it and as that initial stage is done, I tended to be able to carry on and work my way back to normal with ease or if not that day then usually the next time because it felt like I began conquering the fear. Experiencing the worst and realizing I'm still alive. It never really mattered the word because it tended to be at the start of the sentence or at the beginning of the conversation, what ever the word may be. So the idea was to not assume the worst, not worry over what others think because they tended to mirror my own feelings over it and it became less and less scary to where things I couldn't say for a long while became as easily said as being at home alone. And for anything new, I didn't care anymore.