Masks are coming back and I feel like an idiot!

[Rainbowheart1]

As the title, I can’t wear one as I can’t breath, they are really coming back into force where I live and I do tend to overthink things and I feel like a prat!

I had to go hospital recently and everyone, I mean everyone had a mask apart from me and I just look stupid! To look at me and not know me, I look young, fit and healthy, which makes it worst!

Am I doing overthinking this? Do you think people think I’m some sort of Covid rebel?

wear a lanyard so people know you're exempt?

Well, yes, in a medical setting everyone should be wearing masks unless exempt.

I doubt people think you look stupid.

Yes if it’s bothering you that people are judging you just wear a lanyard or badge.

Well, you can breathe.

But it’s fine to be exempt if they make you think you can’t. There are a lot of reasons why some people can’t wear one.

That's a shame but easier than the CEV who have likely been stressing about the lack of masks.

Lanyard seems like easy solution shows you haven't simply forgot. I think most people recognise them now. Try not to worry about it.

Sorry I’m not keeping up very well with things, are you in England? Are masks (as in mandatory in shops etc) coming back?

Have you tried lots of masks?
How long have you persevered for?

Wear a t-shirt with the url of this thread printed on it

You can breath, you might just feel like you can't, it's not the same thing. You can learn to relax snd you can wear a mask. It's up to you how much effort you want to make.

What others 'think' is their prerogative and of no concern to you.

If anyone says anything just say 'I'm exempt'

However, you wouldn't get through the door of our hospital without one 💁🏻‍♀️Not should you IMO.

But to answer your question if I saw you without a mask in a setting where you have to wear one I’d just assume you were exempt and that it’s none of my business why you’re exempt and then I wouldn’t give it further thought.

Masks have never gone away in hospitals. Are you not in the UK?

You can breath with a mask on. Do you mean that you have anxiety and wearing one causes an anxiety attack? That's different to not being able to breath.

However, that said, I do understand some people have been through a trauma and a mask triggers that - no problem with them being exempt at all.

Just an issue with the casual & incorrect 'I can't breath'.

@SpookyPumpkinPants

You can breath, you might just feel like you can't, it's not the same thing. You can learn to relax snd you can wear a mask. It's up to you how much effort you want to make.

What others 'think' is their prerogative and of no concern to you.

If anyone says anything just say 'I'm exempt'

However, you wouldn't get through the door of our hospital without one 💁🏻‍♀️Not should you IMO.

How are your hospital ensuring that they don't discriminate against people with a disability?

You can't just refuse to treat people without a mask.

I've been in hospital loads recently for myself and dds. I'm autistic and have anxiety. The last time I had my mask on for 6 hours. I started to get panicky but I can't stand people looking at me.

I'm in Scotland, masks have never gone out here.
I wear a lanyard and have never beenn questioned.

Why do you care what other people think? Don't worry about it, plenty of people don't wear them cos they are exempt.

No rules have changed at all (yet), you are not required by law to wear a mask. If anyone asks then just say that!

Can you manage a scarf/snood/buff over your mouth and nose? My husband does this as he can't manage in a normal mask. If not how about a visor, it isn't as effective but is better than nothing and shows that you are making an effort.

Iv found the blue surgical style mask the nhs use the easiest to breath in. Yes they are disposable so not best for environment but certainly for me the easiest to wear. You could also try face shield instead

Can you wear a face shield instead?
Would provide reassurance that you understand the risks.
When I see an unmasked person, I worry that they aren’t going to follow the other rules on social distance etc.

Have you tried the blue disposable ones?

They seem easiest

Nobody can't breathe in a mask. Either practice wearing one at home or get a face shield.

Why can't you breathe with one? We have to wear them all day at work. The paper disposable ones are really fine. Can you not just practice at home? I spend all day talking on the telephone wearing one and it's really OK. Is it psychological or physical?

I think you need to expand on ‘I can’t breathe’ are you actually medical exempt or do you ‘just feel suffocated’ wearing one but you are actually fit and healthy in every other aspect?

If it’s the former then fair enough, I’d get a lanyard or a pin button to say you’re exempt so people understand and you can feel more comfortable.

If it’s the later then either put a damn mask on or don’t go anywhere that requires one. ‘I feel like I can’t breath’ affects a lot of people, you’re not unique. I had to wear one all through my pregnancy when I honestly felt I would faint off as had a massive baby constricting space for my lungs. You are not exempt because you don’t like them xx

Masks aren't mandatory if you are in England so nobody will be looking at you and expecting you to unless you have been directly requested by an establishment to do so. If you are exempt then the lanyard will still show you aren't able to wear them.

I hated the masks as I struggled to deal with the feeling of struggling to breathe and misted glasses. I don't wear them unless a place has a direct request to do so because of that. However a medical establishment I would always take one as vulnerable people will be attending.