It can certainly be isolating if you let the fear hold you back. So then the question becomes, how to overcome the fears associated with stuttering? How do you overcome any fear? You have to put yourself in situations that you're afraid of. If you're afraid of making friends then you need to start making friends. Most people are decent and don't give a damn if you stutter or not. If you have a job, ask one of your coworkers if they'd like to get lunch with you. If you're a student, do the same with someone in your class. Make up a reason to start a conversation with someone. If you have a question, ask someone instead of google. It doesn't matter why or how you start talking to people, the only thing that matters is that you put yourself out there and start talking. If you wanted to learn piano, you'd have to practice to get better at it. This is no different. I promise you that it's much better for you to risk a little embarrassment than it is to remain isolated. Nothing good comes from allowing your apprehension to dictate the course of your life. The longer you stay in the shadows, the harder it is to come out. What you really don't want it is to be in your mid 40's and start asking yourself where the last 20 years went. The thing to realize is that the shame or embarrassment you feel when you stutter is unwarranted. It's not like you chose this for yourself. It's the hand you were dealt. It's not the worst, it's not the best. It's just one of the struggles in your life. If someone is shitty to you about it, tell them to kiss your ass and move on. Life is too short to spend it worrying about someone else's stupid opinion. That includes family as well. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. If your brother rolls his eyes when you stutter, I'd say something like - You've made it very clear that my stuttering annoys you and I really wish I could turn it off and never annoy you again but since I have no control over this super annoying thing, maybe you could try not being such a dick about it? Bonus points if you stutter real bad when saying it.