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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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
Reinventinganna · 12/01/2021 21:48

Also what @LAgeDeRaisin said Grin

Noti23 · 12/01/2021 21:49

Op, have you tried a scarf? Sometimes it’s easier to use with anxiety as you can loosen it a little if you feel it’s starting to trigger a physical anxiety attack.

covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 21:50

Why should your anxiety about masks override my anxiety about another mass of the population dying? People who otherwise might be leading happy lives for many more years?

Why does your anxiety trump mine?

Next time you feel anxious in a mask, leave the shop and come in again once you've calmed down. Don't risk somebody's life.

You signed up to be a HCP, you actively made the choice (and I imagine you wear masks quite frequently anyway!). People on here clearly don't understand that the mental health effects caused by repeated panic attacks can result in risking somebody's life, completely irrespective of Covid.

Glitteryone · 12/01/2021 21:50

Sorry I don’t think anxiety is a valid excuse, nor asthma and I have both!

cherrypie790 · 12/01/2021 21:51

You're brave, taking on the MN mask police ........

Hope you've got a hard hat instead.

They're nothing more than a placebo, OP, for the pretty fabric mask wearing majority, whose masks are as effective as a used tea bag. I hate wearing one, but always do as I just can't be arsed with the reactions and it's not good for my blood pressure.

Bluesername · 12/01/2021 21:51

It’s quite eye opening to see everyone desperately caring about protecting others, whilst simultaneously saying who gives a shit about your mental health or invisible disabilities

Well said.

Bollss · 12/01/2021 21:51

@Glitteryone

Sorry I don’t think anxiety is a valid excuse, nor asthma and I have both!
It a a good job it's not up to you then isn't it. As if everyone's anxiety and asthma is exaaaaactly the same as yours.
MaxNormal · 12/01/2021 21:51

Some really unpleasant responses in here.

OP, mask exemption is self certified. If you feel self-conscious get a lanyard but you're by no means obliged to wear one.
Its also no-ones business but yours

And the LAST place yoy should be asking about this is in here, you'll get relentlessly attacked as you'll now have seen.

beatingthefirstdaybacknerves · 12/01/2021 21:52

@covidaintacrime

Why should your anxiety about masks override my anxiety about another mass of the population dying? People who otherwise might be leading happy lives for many more years?

Why does your anxiety trump mine?

Next time you feel anxious in a mask, leave the shop and come in again once you've calmed down. Don't risk somebody's life.

You signed up to be a HCP, you actively made the choice (and I imagine you wear masks quite frequently anyway!). People on here clearly don't understand that the mental health effects caused by repeated panic attacks can result in risking somebody's life, completely irrespective of Covid.

I was going to say that - specially those who think you can walk out and hold off the attack .

First one I had I ended up being sedated as I thought I was dying . Collapsed in street at uni, was picked up by first aiders, spent four hours in medical room at uni and then at GP with a uni employee holding my hand as GP persuaded me to take Valium !! It’s definitely not something you can always easily hold off !!

LaMarschallin · 12/01/2021 21:52

It's a shame it wouldn't be practical for supermarkets to have a half day a week where people who can't wear masks and can't find/can't use delivery slots could go shopping, but it wouldn't be fair on the staff.

Although, it can't be great for the staff having the maskless people popping up unexpectedly all through the day. At least they'd be prepared with a designated time.

Have to say that, locally, I've only seen one maskless couple which looked to me like a younger carer taking a much older lady round in a wheelchair. I presume it may have been a communication thing and they were extra careful about social distancing.

The worst offenders here all seem to be old men who have their noses sticking out.
It would be a good thing if the supermarket guidelines mean staff feel more able to ask them to wear their face coverings properly.

missmouse101 · 12/01/2021 21:52

No, its not an acceptable excuse. Hospitals are in the absolute shit . You need to stay out of shops if you can't wear a mask.

JemimaPuddleQuack · 12/01/2021 21:52

That sounds awful, there are some good suggestions on this thread for coping strategies. Just keep trying your best. Many of my colleagues have struggled wearing them all day on wards, I struggled more once the goggles were added on top and with the tighter fitting FFP3s, frames under paper type masks can make breathing feel easier. Over time it gets easier so please just keep trying little by little. Protect yourself and others the best you can. Patients with anxiety who need oxygen therapy have no choice but to cope with the masks and tubes. I empathise with you but hope you keep trying.

HOS8595 · 12/01/2021 21:53

It’s a shitty excuse.

UnrulyJulie · 12/01/2021 21:53

Haha good try OPHmm.

Is this the first time you’ve worn one in the 6 months they’ve been ‘mandatory’?

Heartless is not following medical advice to prevent the spread of a virus that could kill other people because you cant be bothered to think out of the box and find alternatives, and thinking your ‘right’ not to wear a mask and carry on doing what you want to do trumps other people’s health.

Newpuppymummy · 12/01/2021 21:53

I don’t think it is. Sorry, I hate the mask and feel claustrophobic BUT if I choose to go into shops I will wear one to protect me and my family and other people. Or I will do an online shop.

daisyjgrey · 12/01/2021 21:53

Some days I'm fine with a mask, some days I have to really concentrate on keeping my shit together. If I can't wear one I won't go out and I'll wait until the following day.

I know only one person who can't wear a mask for mental health reasons and she had her mouth covered when she was raped, I'm certainly not going to tell her her feelings aren't valid.

Mild anxiety about it though is a bit weak.

covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 21:53

It’s a shitty excuse.

Aw really? The government doesn't think so.

MaxNormal · 12/01/2021 21:54

Why should your anxiety about masks override my anxiety about another mass of the population dying?

Conversely, why should your anxiety trump that of the OP? Law is on her side anyway.

IReallyNeedMoreGin · 12/01/2021 21:54

Why should shop workers be exposed to the virus from people who don’t like wearing masks?

👆🏼 This. I suffer with anxiety, am asthmatic and work in a supermarket. I wear a mask at work for anything up to 9 hours. Anxiety is not a good enough reason to not wear a mask.

Bollss · 12/01/2021 21:55

Out of interest are physical health issues a good enough "excuse" or do you will discriminate against them too?

Notnownotneverever · 12/01/2021 21:55

Actually no I don't think it is a good enough reason to not wear a mask although I do feel sympathy for you as I suffer with anxiety myself. I don't think that is reason enough to put others at risk.
You need to develop coping mechanisms to go to the shops or use online shopping or click and collect if you cannot face wearing a mask at all.
I appreciate this is a bit harsh but so are a thousand deaths a day.

covidaintacrime · 12/01/2021 21:55

👆🏼 This. I suffer with anxiety, am asthmatic and work in a supermarket. I wear a mask at work for anything up to 9 hours. Anxiety is not a good enough reason to not wear a mask.

I'm going to keep saying this. The government disagrees, your opinions don't mean anything when it comes to exemption.

Bollss · 12/01/2021 21:56

@IReallyNeedMoreGin

Why should shop workers be exposed to the virus from people who don’t like wearing masks?

👆🏼 This. I suffer with anxiety, am asthmatic and work in a supermarket. I wear a mask at work for anything up to 9 hours. Anxiety is not a good enough reason to not wear a mask.

You know everyone's anxiety Is not identical right? It's not up to you to say that.
SausagePourHomme · 12/01/2021 21:56

if my DC with autism, anxiety and sensory issues can wear one, so can you. not one single person likes wearing them or finds them comfortable.

MissMarpleDarling · 12/01/2021 21:57

YABU.