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AIBU?

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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To ask if Anxiety is an acceptable excuse for not wearing a mask?

827 replies

balihai550 · 12/01/2021 21:19

Just this...I had a mild panic attack in M&S today because for some reason masks make me feel closed in and like I can't breathe.

So I took it off and then had to explain to three people why I couldn't wear it. Anxiety in their view wasn't a good enough reason.

I often try to get online shops but atm all the ocado, Sainsbury's and Waitrose slots in my area are gone, so have to venture out.

Is not wearing a mask because of Anxiety and panic attacks unreasonable?

OP posts:
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5
ToadsThePeanutButterSnob · 12/01/2021 23:22

@SinkGirl

I live in a country where it's been compulsory to wear masks everywhere in public since last March. No mask, no entry, no exceptions!

Brilliant. I’ve got a great idea - why don’t we just go back to putting disabled people and hysterical women in asylums so they don’t have to bother your life at all.

I swear to god, I do not understand why the ableist shit spouted here is allowed to stand.

All we can do is keep reporting them and hope MNHQ take some action.
ToadsThePeanutButterSnob · 12/01/2021 23:23

@ConfusedcomMum

I'm sure I read in the papers today that Sainsbury's said it has to be a mask OR a visor. So perhaps try wearing the latter.
Unless medically exempt I think.
covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 23:24

People not wearing masks gives everyone else anxiety so why does one person’s anxiety trump everyone else’s?

It doesn't. That's why other people get to wear masks, socially distance and wash their hands.

ISBN111 · 12/01/2021 23:25

I saw a dude with a ‘face mask exempt’ badge on the other day.
I thinkit it’s good to try and wear them but people will react to you taking it off morethan if you just didn’t wear it in thefirst place.

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:25

@Macaroni46 if your anxious about people not wearing them, stay home. How about that? Ignorance is bliss isnt it.

Lovely1a2b3c · 12/01/2021 23:25

Also try a surgical 2R mask- they protect you to some degree as well as other people and they're much lighter and less suffocating.

Wontbemadetofeelrubbish · 12/01/2021 23:26

[quote shas19]@Macaroni46 if your anxious about people not wearing them, stay home. How about that? Ignorance is bliss isnt it.[/quote]
This.

covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 23:26

if your anxious about people not wearing them, stay home. How about that? Ignorance is bliss isnt it.

Good point, Shas. If you're anxious about other people being exempt, don't leave your house. Stop being "pathetic" (as some PPs have so kindly described exempt individuals).

Lovely1a2b3c · 12/01/2021 23:28

[quote shas19]@Macaroni46 if your anxious about people not wearing them, stay home. How about that? Ignorance is bliss isnt it.[/quote]
The vast majority of people are unhappy about people not wearing masks unless they have medical backing so Macaroni is in the majority.
Her reason is based on scientific evidence and is to prevent the spread of a highly contagious serious illness so why should she?

ferntwist · 12/01/2021 23:28

It’s not really fair in the current crisis. There are online options, you just have to browse around.

Justgorgeous · 12/01/2021 23:28

I hate wearing my mask and I keep holding my breath and realise I’m gritting my teeth. I will always wear one and it’s not a good enough excuse to not.

safariboot · 12/01/2021 23:28

YANBU.

But of course anxiety, like many other conditions, gets belittled and minimised by most of the population. The general reaction to Covid-19 by both government and people has been to fuck the disabled.

Don't JADE - Justify, Argue, Defend, or Explain. You don't owe anybody your private medical information. If anyone asks why you're not wearing a mask, just say you can't. If they carry on prying, say your medical conditions are none of their business.

See if you get on better with one of the face shields/visors. They don't actually do much, but they look like making an effort.

AlwaysLatte · 12/01/2021 23:28

As I understand it a very tiny percentage cannot wear a mask due to anxiety. They should be able to produce a doctor's letter or similar IMO then the people faking it would not be giving them a bad name. Also there would be so few genuine people that I doubt it would make much of an increase in the numbers.
Or better still, if you cannot wear a mask then get shopping delivered rather than go in person.

CuppaZa · 12/01/2021 23:30

Yabu

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:30

Try having trigeminal neuralgia, especially in this weather! I'm exempt so dont listen to the rubbish that people talk about 'stay home if u dont want to wear a mask' majority of the people have these PATHETIC material masks with patterns on ffs. That doesn't stop covid or the bullshit that falls out of your mouths. Go about your business with ya masks and leave other people alone.

m0therofdragons · 12/01/2021 23:30

I think the issue many of us have is every mn thread has about 80% of posters (totally made up figure but feels like it) stating anxiety as a reason not to wear a mask. The rl people I know with diagnosed anxiety are very anxious about covid to the point of not going out because they know or fear others won’t social distance and wear a mask and they’re very anxious they might get covid from the non mask wearers and die.

There are medical exemptions but I struggle with the anxiety reason or fear of asphyxiation. Most of us fear asphyxiation and covid is essentially asphyxiation and wearing a mask might help stop you spreading it.

ToadsThePeanutButterSnob · 12/01/2021 23:30

The vast majority of people are unhappy about people not wearing masks unless they have medical backing so Macaroni is in the majority.

In that case the vast majority of people can just stay at home. That would get the virus under control in no time.

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:31

These people do have medical backing. They are exempt.

covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 23:32

I think the issue many of us have is every mn thread has about 80% of posters (totally made up figure but feels like it) stating anxiety as a reason not to wear a mask. The rl people I know with diagnosed anxiety are very anxious about covid to the point of not going out because they know or fear others won’t social distance and wear a mask and they’re very anxious they might get covid from the non mask wearers and die.

There are medically exempt people who don't have family (or can't see their family!) and can't get delivery slots for a multitude of reasons. Does anyone have a good suggestion about what they should do? Starve?

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:33

Also not everyone has access or funds for delivered shopping etc.

m0therofdragons · 12/01/2021 23:33

@shas19 that condition sounds awful and completely understandable why you would be exempt. Not that you need my permission. In public I wouldn’t judge anyone not wearing one - in rl I’ve actually seen very few people and always assume there’s a reason that’s none of my business.

Theunamedcat · 12/01/2021 23:35

Bang and the OP is gone!

For genuine people with anxiety speak to your GP they might be able to help you with resources to reduce your anxiety even medication that can help

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:35

@m0therofdragons yes its shite! Same here, I'm out to buy food shopping not play wheres Wally facemask edition 2020/21

shas19 · 12/01/2021 23:36

Bang and the OP is gone... all I heard is the cillit bang catchphrase

1Morewineplease · 12/01/2021 23:43

As I understand it, you need a genuine medical reason to not wear a mask. Otherwise wear a shield. As one of the government's medical experts said, a month or so ago,hardly anyone is truly exempt.