I think mental health symptoms should always be taken seriously. I know that if my level of anxiety is too large then I back off or try hard to adapt to the stress level in a constuctive way; like talking to a therapist or my wife or someone I trust. I think social anxiety is a mental health symptom and is nothing to be embarassed about. I coped with mine and I believe anyone can be helped if they have adequete mental health services available for their treatment and the will to manage their social anxiety.