One suggestion I have seen for elementary school students, that might work for you as well, is to read the word problem out loud without the numbers. Then read it again with the numbers. Separating those two can help you focus better on the meaning before getting tangled up with the numbers. You also can take your word problem difficulties to the Math Tutoring Center at your college/university and to your instructor during office hours. Don’t be shy about this!! Their whole job is to help you master the material.
The counseling center on your campus is there to help you work through your anxiety/shyness. So go speak with them too!
Does your campus have a chapter of Toastmasters? That is a good activity for shy people because it is very structured so you will quickly learn what to expect and you won’t be surprised by too much new stuff until you are ready for it.