Anxiety/claustrophobia due to wearing a mask at work

[Cyborgseadog]

Due to my current circumstances, I am now working in a minimum wage hospitality role. We are required to wear a face mask for the entirety of our shift. I have never until this point had any kind of anxiety, ever, I am just the most laid-back, relaxed person you can meet. But since going back to work last week, I experience the most overwhelming feeling of dread on a daily basis because of the face mask. I feel like I'm struggling for breath, sweating, panicking. I find it hard to calm myself down.

It made me realise that this could be the reason why I never learned to swim, the inability to hold my breath for even a couple of seconds without that "punched in the stomach" feeling that takes over. It affects my ability to perform any tasks, but I can't help it.

Any of you you out there with the same problem? Is there any help I can get for it from my GP perhaps?

Maybe try wearing it at home doing something you’re relaxed about. Remember that if you need to take it off at home then you can, but try and keep it on for, say, a count of 20 between when you feel you can’t do it and when you lift it off.
Not sure a GP will be able to do anything as a short term solution?

Wearing it around the house is a good idea.

Is it a 'proper' mask? i've been wearing a home made one (thick cotton) for hospital appointments and it's unbearable. The material is thick and i struggle to breath properly through it. Last week i was given one by the hospital that had a proper filter in, it made such a difference.

We have a huge stack of those cheap, blue on one side, white on the other papery things in the crew room. They are too big for my face, so I have to tie the elastic into little loops behind my ears, and fold the bottom bit under my chin just to stop it getting over my eyes. I asked if I could bring one of my own but was told no.

I am desperately trying to find another job that I am actually qualified for, but no joy so far. I left my partner just before lockdown, with a toddler in tow. I have to work, but I just feel utterly miserable. This really is my lowest point in years.

I wear a mask at work too for about 7hrs, frontline role.
I actually feel a bit the same! I’m able to remove it occasionally every hr or so for 5 mins.
I dread being at work with it on and even avoided going out the weekend to anywhere that would involve wearing one ( shops etc) I just feel suffocated for these hrs.
It’s no good practicing wearing it at home if you are already wearing it at work.
I have no answers but can only reassure you and say you are not alone, I feel anxious before work each day as this is my new normal .

I sympathise entirely- I had to wear one for 2 hours at the hospital yesterday and it was horrific - I hated it and felt really panicky like I couldn't breathe. I felt so sorry for the staff. I'm afraid I have no advice other than I don't think you are unreasonable at all. Can you try asking again about better quality masks?

Thank you for all your responses.

@Gohackyourself thank you, it's good to know I'm not alone!

@GlennRheeismyfavourite I wish I could ask, but judging by the way things are at the moment, it seems unlikely they would take any notice. I have already asked for hand sanitiser to be placed near the tills, and been met with a death stare.

Those face masks are horrid to wear,I can’t imagine wearing one for hours on end.Can you get a face visor to wear instead?

Can you ask if you can wear a visor instead?

x-post with widdio

I suppose I could ask, but I imagine they wouldn't take me seriously at all. I am front of house, so to speak, and a visor might potentially put customers off.

I almost wish I had stayed with my ex as a SAHM . I know I can get through this, but my god, is it just so unexpectedly hard!

I sympathise with you. I feel awful wearing a mask in the bus or train, and that’s only for a short period of time. I know really I can breathe but it feels so stifling. I get used to it after a while but am so glad when I can take it off. I imagine the heat if you are in a good prep area is not pleasant.

I would ask for a visit and explain your reasons. If your immediate manager says no could you see if there is a company policy?

Personally as a customer I would find a visor less off-putting than a mask. At least you can see somebody’s facial expressions and hear more clearly.

Keep practising at home. I am getting much better with them after a few tries. Just a few mins at a time at first. You can do it xx

I was just like that the first week. Much much better now. Forgot I had it on today, first time that ever happened. Never thought it would.

Try looping the straps so that they cross - take upper strap, pass under ear then up round the back. It fits a bit better then. They do ride up a bit, but open your mouth a bit like a yawn and your jaw will pull it down. They are meant to go under the chin.
We have got used to them, I hardly notice mine is on. The surgical ones are much better than the fit tested ones, where sometimes you really feel short of air, especially if talking loudly to a hard of hearing person!
You can breathe in them, I do stairs in mine.

They sell face visors in home bargains, is get one of them. We wear the visors I’m work (retail)

Have you got one of those finger pulse oximeters? I bought one a couple of months ago from Amazon. I put it on my finger and put my mask on and was very reassured to see my oxygen levels stayed exactly the same. It helped me feel less uncomfortable about wearing the mask.

I work for the nhs but just on reception we have to wear them aswell and they do creep up to your eyes almost. It also gives me a sore throat. We are not allowed to remove it until it's been 2 hours then have to change it and can have a drink then and put a new one on. It's worse in the heat aswell I can never wait to get it off at the end of shift and I did feel odd one very hot day. The clinical staff have visors but are still wearing a mask under it aswell but you could maybe ask for a visor?

@Bluetrews25 I don’t think it’s in guidance to loop the ear loops crossed over-

It’s very frustrating in the heat too, I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to it really, I just know it’s a massive sigh of relief to finish shift and breathe!!!

Hi OP I am sorry you are struggling with the mask and anxiety.I work in hospitality and expect to feel the same the as I suffer from anxiety anyway.
I agree practice at home.I do wonder if you're current situation is causing so much anxiety that the mask is just the final straw!
.sending you good luck with it all.

Try different mask if you can. My DH has to wear all sorts of masks for work and he was telling me about one style that has a specially designed flap bit that filters air or something - it’s releases the CO2 and helps with better oxygen intake. Maybe google one different masks and see what people are saying, it may be that the ones you’re using are no good

Crossing the loops makes the mask fit me better and has kept me covid free so far despite working on covid wards throughout. Do the maths.
Show me the guidance that says not to cross them, please.

Do the maths.
Show me the guidance that says not to cross them, please.
Wow.
The poster above said there was no guidance telling people to cross the loops.
NOT The guidance says don’t cross the loops

I struggled when I started wearing a mask. It was like I forgot how to breath
I have to wear one at work too and I am only allowed to wear the blue and white one. Try breathing a slower and deeper. I found that helps and if it has the wire make sure its tight on the nose so it stays out of your eyes.