I think that stage fright/fear of public speaking is a very real barrier to playing the sort of games I prefer. I suspect that some people get around it by focusing heavily on game mechanics or by starting with the sort of game that has little in the way of people interaction, but it sounds like neither would work for you.

I'm not a fan of challenging phobias just to challenge them. I know people who feel that it's a good idea, but I tend to think that it's only worthwhile for things that affect function and quality of life. I find that not playing games only really affects my life at gaming conventions or when I'm with people who are rude about my preference not to play.