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Original poster

Does anyone feel really uncomfortable seeing people in masks?

414 replies

Lissy23 · 11/07/2020 20:38

I do.
It feels to be like their ‘faceless’ beings.
I know this sounds really far fetched, but it’s how I feel.

I also find it very unpleasant being unable to see somebody’s facial expression and to know whether they are smiling at me.
I think I’m on the spectrum, possibly aspergers, I’ve been told by various therapists that it’s a possibility.

How will anyone meet a romantic partner if they can’t see their face? Only their eyes? I know eyes are supposed to be the ‘window the soul’ but I can’t bear not seeing somebody’s entire face.

I went to the pharmacy the other day and the pharmacist was wearing a mask, he was talking to me and I didn’t understand him at all. I didn’t think I relied on lip reading, but I obviously do. He said it twice and I didn’t get it, so I just pretended I had Sad

I know this is all for the greater good. But I feel so depressed and anxious by it all, I already suffer with mental health issues.

I am finding it difficult reading books and watching tv programme or films because they make me tearful and remind me of life before all of this ‘new normal’. I’m wondering if I should speak to a doctor. But I have no idea how to word it.
I’ve already had people calling me selfish and childish (friends and family) for being anxious about wearing a face covering.
It isn’t just other people wearing them, I can’t breathe when I have anything covering my nose and mouth and it often induces a panic attack.

OP posts:
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mathanxiety · 13/07/2020 05:39

@Abitouting, not wearing a mask will ensure that the restrictions are far from temporary.

ResIpsaLoquiturInterAlia · 13/07/2020 06:13

No the absolute opposite! I feel uncomfortable seeing people unmasked!

Here is a bit of British humour for your entertainment as so many seem to like a killer joke here these days.....

Apparently not sure if anyone else noticed but I think there is some mysterious invisible disease somewhere? According to media reports some 50k Brits have died from this illness (that's only a few out of the remaining 65 million). This disease supposedly has no cure and may be transmitted between people in close contact. Some people apparently wear this really weird thing covering their mouths and nose. I seen one somewhere possibly online! What is that all about? Is this disease dangerous and do anyone know much about it? Perhaps it is no big deal but many overseas nations have people wearing this new fashion statement as maybe it is after all just a fleeting fashion thing? Surely carry on a have a nice cuppa as nothing to worry about as a bit of sunshine and possibly a drop of bleach will be more than suffice.

Not sure if anyone here is possibly a touch more knowledgeable or caring to comment further....

Smileyoriley · 13/07/2020 08:06

The wearing of masks did seem odd at first, but I'm getting used to it. They will become compulsory in many settings soon, so better to become accustomed to it now. I shall be glad as I am sick of seeing people coughing and spluttering their Sputum into the air.

Ristar · 13/07/2020 08:15

I'm in Scotland and it is compulsory to wear one in shops now unless you have a medical condition that prevents it.

I thought it would seem wierd, but actually its fine. Most people have cool homemade ones with nice patterns.

okiedokieme · 13/07/2020 08:22

I don't wear one unless it's mandated, really find them claustrophobic. Before anyone says it's for the greater good, I had c19 in March, nobody was wearing them then (very mild, my hay fever is far worse). My ex h is an virologist and the current research is we are highly unlikely to be able to catch it twice (it just remains in your body a long time)

Parker231 · 13/07/2020 08:31

@okiedokieme - you wearing a mask isn’t to protect you but to protect others around you.

Lweji · 13/07/2020 08:43

My ex h is an virologist and the current research is we are highly unlikely to be able to catch it twice (it just remains in your body a long time)

Nobody knows how long you'll be able to not catch it again, though.
IgG levels reportedly go down fairly quickly. Even after a couple of months.
And it's simply not known if cellular immunity will be enough long term.

You may be safe from catching it now, but even your ex can't possibly give you any guarantees towards the end of the year.

We've already assumed too much about this virus and regretted it.

SengaStrawberry · 13/07/2020 08:45

My ex h is an virologist and the current research is we are highly unlikely to be able to catch it twice (it just remains in your body a long time)

To be fair, that doesn’t sound great either!

Lweji · 13/07/2020 08:45

I'm talking about catching it and masks, not because you wearing a mask will prevent you from catching it, but because you could get it a second time and pass it on to others before realising you have it, or even without realising you're even infected.

Aragog · 13/07/2020 09:48

It really doesn't bother me seeing them at all.

But then I went to Japan on holiday last summer and saw people wearing them all the time there anyway.

And we have a large number of students in our town from China, Japan and other countries around the same area of the world. They've always worn masks out and about here so we have seen them lots for a few years.

Aragog · 13/07/2020 09:50

Went out for a meal and drink at the weekend and all staff had masks. Even in the busy restaurant environment we could hear what they were saying no problem and fully understood them. Even Dh with his restricted hearing did so.

Again, in Japan we had no issues re hearing and understand when being spoken to by people in masks - well none beyond the normal communication barriers of being in a foreign country and speaking different languages.

Aragog · 13/07/2020 09:55

Do the face covers that hook on the ears make back of your ears sore?

Me and dd have small ears so can't keep them on. We bought ear savers to combat that issue and Dh prefers his with one too as doesn't irate your ears so much then.

The neck gaitor styles with close fitting and filters are more comfortable though.

Aragog · 13/07/2020 09:57

No one in U.K. wears face coverings in the supermarket during flu season

And those at most risk can have a vaccination, for free, every year.
Same as with some of the other more risky illnesses.

Zoomintheroom · 13/07/2020 10:00

I feel uncomfortable seeing people not wearing them!

JaceLancs · 13/07/2020 10:00

Does anyone know if plastic visors would be an acceptable alternative to a mask if they become compulsory?
I would find a visor either a headband one or a glasses style one more comfortable and better with my asthma

Parker231 · 13/07/2020 10:12

Yes to visors. It doesn’t have to be a mask but a face covering.

Lweji · 13/07/2020 10:41

Visors are better than nothing.

Not as efficient as masks (if fitted properly), but the vast majority of people should be able to wear masks, so that the few who need visors are less at risk and are less of a risk.

Lweji · 13/07/2020 10:42

I suspect the alternatives will be visors or a certificate.

Hearhoovesthinkzebras · 13/07/2020 10:48

Why wouldn't we wear a mask if we want to reduce the likelihood of another lockdown?

Does anyone feel really uncomfortable seeing people in masks?
sleepingpup · 13/07/2020 11:02

seeing people in masks doesn't bother me at all. In fact i really appreciate those that wear masks and feel safer.

I think wearing masks will HELP shops as I think it generates a safer environment. I think the science does stack up.

I have great sympathy for those who have health issues that make them difficult especially those that have hearing difficulties. But in an even worse situation are those vulnerable people shielding.

The whole situation is pretty shit after all.

CaptainMyCaptain · 13/07/2020 11:37

@okiedokieme

I don't wear one unless it's mandated, really find them claustrophobic. Before anyone says it's for the greater good, I had c19 in March, nobody was wearing them then (very mild, my hay fever is far worse). My ex h is an virologist and the current research is we are highly unlikely to be able to catch it twice (it just remains in your body a long time)
DH works in a hospital and everyone has been tested for antibodies. Some people who definitely had it have tested negative - can they get it again? Nobody knows at this stage.
sleepingpup · 13/07/2020 12:11

Some people who definitely had it have tested negative - can they get it again? Nobody knows at this stage.

The head of testing in my area told me something similar.

sleepingpup · 13/07/2020 12:11

Some people who definitely had it have tested negative - can they get it again? Nobody knows at this stage.

The head of testing in my area told me something similar.

CaptainMyCaptain · 13/07/2020 12:47

@sleepingpup

Some people who definitely had it have tested negative - can they get it again? Nobody knows at this stage.

The head of testing in my area told me something similar.

There was a thread a while ago where it seemed it was a common pattern in the NHS testing.
Whatnext2018 · 13/07/2020 14:23

@okiedokieme Any thoughts how long it can stay in the body (possible long term covid here-3 months plus, still not great) and at which point we’re contagious to others?

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