Wearing masks everywhere indoors is so depressing

[Sossen]

AIBU to feel frustrated and, at times, a bit upset that I can’t really do anything indoors now, either on my own or with my kids, without wearing a god damn face mask? I’ve just about been able to tolerate wearing them whilst food shopping but that’s because I now take a lot of time to write out a list and meal plan beforehand and I get in and get out, as opposed to before, when I took the time to browse, picked out what I fancied, and maybe tried on some clothes whilst there. I can cope with this ok but what is depressing me is that my ds is desperate to go to a few indoor places like the trampoline park (our local one has strict guidelines in hygiene social distancing and staggering sessions) and I’ll take him but the thought of sitting there for an hour and a half opposite my dh trying to talk to him with a mask on or watching my ds play and he can’t hear me because of the mask, well it fills me with dread. I had a cinema pass which i’ve has for years but I’ve already cancelled It as there is no way I can sit for up to 3 hours with a mask on, it would be unbearable. Every day out we go on that is predominantly outdoors but have some indoor areas I’ll have to remember to take masks with me. If I nip to post a letter, pick up my medication, go into a public car park to get my car after work I have to wear a mask. I expect to be told I’m moaning but I can’t help it. I fully resent the fact that I am being told to cover my face and I have no choice in the matter. Please tell me I’m not the only one.

I agree with Tax's long post above. People just need to accept others have different views and respect those people. There are good honest people on all sides with all kinds of views and I hope no one on the thread is so set in the ways that they think they are right on every issue and know the one right path in life.

I can understand views on both sides on all sorts of issues including abortion and much else. This is just another of those issues.

We will get through it with kindness to others and cutting people some slack on both sides of the face mask divide.

@Sossen think you need to grow up and get a grip to be honest! I sat in the hairdressers for 3 hours in one. Chatted it was fine.

There's so, so much more to be frustrated with in this situation. It's pretty obvious why they didn't tell us to wear them at the beg as other people have said. There's a big enough body of evidence now to say they are effective so either get on with it or choose experiences where you don't have to wear one.

FFS @Xenia comparing wearing a facemask to the abortion.....you have truly lost the plot!!!

infectious disease control is not remotely related to abortion.

A TOP does not affect the health of all these who come into close contact with you over several days.

This isn't a medical ethical issue. It's straightforward hygiene recommendations. Which unfortunately quite a lot of people (on social media at least) are making a fuss about.

In RL, most people are wearing masks, even in the heat, because on the whole people are considerate when it's a choice between acting for the common good or not.

Those who cannot have a tougher time (this pandemic has really shown up how quick we are to 'other' groups and say that because they are different to the perceived majority and they should just put up and shut up and stay out of sight).

In this case, they do have to act differently, as they have to SD at minimum 2m (so places set up for 1m+ mitigation are ruled out, except certain essentials). That's going to be tough.

@HelenaDove,
Thanks for the info about impetigo which I was already well aware of!
I'm sticking with my comment - I don't see why wearing a clean mask over clean skin should lead to an increase in infections. I'm not a GP so I can't comment about where it's actually most common,but from t'interweb round the nose and mouth seems a popular site - maybe masks will help if they stop people touching their nose/mouth/face and spreading the staph aureus around that area?
Also proper evidence from countries where mask wearing is routine ( which also are hotter than the UK) would be good.Did the incidence alter when mask wearing increased?
When DS had impetigo it started on his finger and spread on his hands initially - a nice exposed and uncovered area.

I'm sticking with my comment - I don't see why wearing a clean mask over clean skin should lead to an increase in infections

Mask related acne is a thing.

The mask rubs your skin and leads to acne mechanica.

MrsG, as you can see I was debating the issues of when people have different views on topics. Some people see abortion as murder of a baby and others don't. Those are two good honestly held valid views and I respect people in both camps. Same with masks - some thing the science points to their being more dangerous than not wearing them and others don't. Some think Brexit was bet for Britain whereas I voted remain. People can have different views and still be respected and we can be kind to them and debate the issues with them. Yet instead you do find a group of people who think there is one right path eg that we must leave or must stay in the EU and they are a bit single minded and unblinking and not prepared to listen to the views of others nor respect them as they are absolutely certainly they are right on every issue.

Instead if we could in this pandemic be kind to others even if we do not agree with their views then we will all get along better.

“You’d probably walk off a cliff if your incompetent Government told you to? Right“

Stopped listening to that lot months ago! Very vulnerable household members so been wearing a mask out and about since March.

'Yeah and many more suffer serious mental health issues which make wearing a mask unbareable, unless your one of those people who think mental health issues are not important'

Of course I think mental health issues are important.

I would never judge people who cannot wear masks, or find them unbearable.

As I have said, I have myself been judged repeatedly as a result of invisible disabilities preventing me from doing a different, generally desirable thing (giving up my seat in a bus or train) so I certainly 'get' the unfairness of such judgements.

The people whom I resent are not those who can't wear masks, or find them truly unbearable, but those who say 'Why should I do what the government tells me?' or 'COVID is just a hoax!' or worse, 'Why can't those who feel vulnerable just stay indoors and let the rest of us do as we please?' This is really unfair to the many of us who are in less than ABSOLUTELY perfect health.

There is unfairness on both sides.

(1) People who can, should use face coverings and other measures to reduce the spread of infection (or avoid places where these are necessary) and not treat those who fear infection as either brainwashed cowards, or people who must be at death's door already so why pander to their vulnerabilities!

(2) People who cannot use face coverings should be respected, just like anyone with any disability/restriction, and not be abused or assumed to be pretending.

@Aragog No I don’t. Not sure why you don’t understand but it is a fact. It’s not just me- going into a supermarket/ store wherever, people are constantly having to repeat themselves. I suppose there are multiple factors- one is that a huge proportion of communication is non verbal- human beings use their faces to communicate- the other factor is how sound travels. Masks do muffle sound, whether you are prepared to believe it or not.

I really didn't like them at first, I was making them at home out of old clothes as per early guidance. I've found that actually using slightly stiffer fabric has helped me create a mask that fits well around nose, cheeks and chin but stands slightly proud over my mouth. This helps me tolerate the mask much better so it's definitely worth trying a few options until you find something you can cope with.

thanks @PrincessButtockUp. Helpful advice. My mask sucks in when I breathe and I think it's making it harder to breathe. I think a more structured one might help, even if that would entail buying slightly thicker fabric..

If healthcare workers have to wear them for 12.5 hours straight then I think people moaning about having to wear one for an optional outing are unreasonable

It is very difficult to hear people talk whilst wearing masks....I'm a nurse and have to wear one all day....(obviously not the same mask). It's amazing how much we use visuals when speaking to each other... i.e lip movement. Several of my colleagues agree that the masks impair our hearing. Everything can sound "muffled". So the OP does have a point.

I wear one all day long. Deliver babies with full PPE.
Grow up.

If healthcare workers have to wear them for 12.5 hours straight then I think people moaning about having to wear one for an optional outing are unreasonable

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but the health care workers arnt wearing the same mask as you buy at poundland 3 for a quid are they. They were masks that have been designed to provide protection and are wearable for long periods of time. Not a bit of polyester or cotton over their mouths.

Do they wear them for 12 hours straight. Or do they take them off for brakes and in between patients. When I've been in for appointments they staff put a mask on as I get to them and take it off when I leave.

People have to wear lots of things for their jobs - that they are being paid to do. Doesn't make it OK for the gov to force me to wear one in my spare time, when I'm not being paid and am actually having to buy my own mask.

I hate them it’s changed where I’m willing to go and I’m sure has many others too - i was tolerating for a quick grocery shop but will definitely be doing much more online shopping for any other things instead of going to town / local shopping centre... same with kids days out - I had booked a day out for next week in an indoor place that has just reopened and then a few days later the mask rule happened and now I’m absolutely dreading it and not sure whether to go or not.

It's not really about moaning and I'm sure we all sympathise with health care workers. I haven't read the whole thread but I'm glad some people have made useful suggestions. We all know why we have to wear a mask but some people, me included, find it difficult. I have no idea why, but I start to feel a rising panic and a need to get the thing off. I've been trying to wear one for longer periods but haven't managed it yet. The problem is I have an appointment at the hospital and have been told it could take 3 hours. I know I'm going to have to keep myself calm but I'm not sure how. Any suggestions?

@Sossen Wearing a mask is not particularly comfortable, I have asthma and even though I don't have to wear one I do. Just think of how much you are helping to protect people who really can't wear one. It really isn't forever.

It really isn't forever.
Again, does Boris know this? Has he actually said it will be temporary?

We've just spent 8 hours in an airport and on a flight wearing one. It's not what I'd choose to wear but if you want to be in an indoor public space with other people you need to unless you are medically exempt.

It's just the way the world is right now. It will pass, as other epidemics have passed. Cut your cloth according to what you can bear.

Agreed

Thank god im not the only person who hates the bloody things,I m tired of being told "i will get used to wearing them, i wont.Like you i just pop to Aldi very quickly with a list in e ening.so in and out,Theres a little Asian supermarket down road from me fab fruit and veg,herbs etc,all outside so you pic them just pop in to pay,again i go in evening,when its mostly empty.I rarely get the bus now,so glad i live in a city where i can walk to shops and walk into city. Centre.Not that im going much,online shopping far more for me now and i love shopping but wearing a mask and seeing others wearing them has taken any pleasure out of it,And you can bet our esteemed leader and his band of useless twats are not following the "rules" it was only done to boast Johnsons ego not because he cared a toss,he doesent.

I find only bearable ones are paper disposable tried cotton,even one layer too thick,silk even worse.

Agree people no longer seem to want to social distance,noone seems to stand in right place now.

Like you im restricting where i go,going out for meal seems only maskless pleasure left.I can see point in wearing them in hospitals,i wore one when i had my mammogram and in a crowded area,but on buses with one or two socially distanced people on them,as in my city and dept stores with a few customers i can see no point at all. In Spain they wore them everywhere,did it work,no.says it all.

Am I the only person who can still feel the mask after I’ve took it off? Like a hat? Drives me bonkers lol!

I’m in a region where we have to wear them every time we leave our home or our car. It is horrible.

If you are running/jogging (breathing hard) that is the only reason not to wear one. And children under 12 are exempt. The police give out on the spot fines (unless you have a valid excuse, eg asthma, PTSD, trauma etc). Also other members of the public likely to tell you off.

I wish it was as like the UK and only inside. I really used to love walking my dog after supper every night and feeling the air my face. Apart from taking my dog out, I’m not leaving the house now.

But after speaking with nurse friends, I feel guilty for complaining. The PPE they are wearing while they work is stifling. I’ve seen my sister’s face/skin after a long shift in A&E - we really can’t complain.