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Original poster

Claustrophobia and face masks

18 replies

MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 20:27

I suffer from severe claustrophobia. ClearIy things like lifts are a no-no, but I can't even go through a turnstile as I feel 'trapped'. I start to panic the minute I put a face mask on - clearly this is something I'm not going to be able to avoid for much longer. Does anyone experience anything similar? Any suggestions of what to do? Thanks.

OP posts:
Trumpetpants · 14/07/2020 20:37

Oh dear... Am sorry you have this phobia, its not easy but a covering that you could easily remove yourself quite quickly is much more preferable to being intubated or having to wear an oxygen mask if you couldn't maintain your oxygen levels.
I would try to focus on wearing a mask being the lesser of the two.
I do get how you feel but there are almost certainly going to be times when you will have to wear a mask for your safety and others x

islockdownoveryet · 14/07/2020 20:41

You are probably one of the people exempt , I'd say extreme claustrophobia is a good enough reason .
Can you carry one of these ?
disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/2020/06/16/mask-exemption-cards-print-wear/

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:01

Thank you for replying Smile You are absolutely right, of course, and I get so frustrated with myself. I'm desperate to try and return to 'normal' life (am currently working from home and hubby is doing the shopping). I've tried various ways to cope in the past - relaxation techniques, hypnosis, etc - but with no success Blush

OP posts:
KarenMcKaren · 14/07/2020 21:04

I would think you would come under the exempt category through causing extreme stress.

dementedpixie · 14/07/2020 21:05

could you tolerate a visor instead?

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:05

[quote islockdownoveryet]You are probably one of the people exempt , I'd say extreme claustrophobia is a good enough reason .
Can you carry one of these ?
disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/2020/06/16/mask-exemption-cards-print-wear/[/quote]
Thank you for replying ☺ I'm just not sure I'd be comfortable with putting myself and others at risk.

OP posts:
2020wasShocking · 14/07/2020 21:07

I get claustrophobic and will not go in lifts (went to NewYork and requested a ground floor room in hotel), I’m that bad now that I don’t even like going in to public toilets incase I can’t get out. Sounds mental but I just try to avoid situations that I may feel trapped.

I had to wear one the other day and I didn’t love but it was no where near my fear of confined spaces. (I panicked if it’s a complete enclosed toilet)

So it may not be as bad as you think. If you practice in the house it might make it easier? My fear is getting trapped. If a lift breaks down then it’s out of my control. That’s the thought that sends panic through me.

I can remove a face mask myself and am completely in control. It’s not nice but I did get used to it.

Good luck

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:12

@dementedpixie

could you tolerate a visor instead?
Thank you for replying ☺ I cant believe I never thought of a visor - it's certainly worth a try.
OP posts:
caitlinohara · 14/07/2020 21:17

I get this, I had a panic attack when I had to wear a mask last week in A & E. I have realised that I am going to have to find a way so have ordered some different kinds of mask and will practise wearing them in the house for short periods to see if that helps. I think a bandana/scarf one might be less panic inducing for me but I am not sure why. Could you do similar OP?

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:23

@2020wasShocking

I get claustrophobic and will not go in lifts (went to NewYork and requested a ground floor room in hotel), I’m that bad now that I don’t even like going in to public toilets incase I can’t get out. Sounds mental but I just try to avoid situations that I may feel trapped.

I had to wear one the other day and I didn’t love but it was no where near my fear of confined spaces. (I panicked if it’s a complete enclosed toilet)

So it may not be as bad as you think. If you practice in the house it might make it easier? My fear is getting trapped. If a lift breaks down then it’s out of my control. That’s the thought that sends panic through me.

I can remove a face mask myself and am completely in control. It’s not nice but I did get used to it.

Good luck

Thank for replying and I'm sorry that you have such a tough time with it too 😕 I'm going to definitely keep practising with a mask in the house Smile
OP posts:
Poetryinaction · 14/07/2020 21:24

I am planning to avoid all shops and get my dh to shop.
If I have to wear something I will try a headband scarf thing.

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:26

@caitlinohara

I get this, I had a panic attack when I had to wear a mask last week in A & E. I have realised that I am going to have to find a way so have ordered some different kinds of mask and will practise wearing them in the house for short periods to see if that helps. I think a bandana/scarf one might be less panic inducing for me but I am not sure why. Could you do similar OP?
Thanks for replying Smile Good luck - I'm going to keep practicing too!
OP posts:
Facemasks · 14/07/2020 21:32

I listened to Overcome Claustrophobia by Darren Marks on Audible, and found it completely life-changing. It's only short, maybe 15 minutes long.

I listened on three occasions, and it has improved my claustrophobia 99%.

Original poster
MrsTweedy73 · 14/07/2020 21:41

@Facemasks

I listened to Overcome Claustrophobia by Darren Marks on Audible, and found it completely life-changing. It's only short, maybe 15 minutes long.

I listened on three occasions, and it has improved my claustrophobia 99%.

Thank you - I'll give it a go! Smile
OP posts:
whatisforteamum · 15/07/2020 20:24

I was wondering about all this too.You say it is claustrophobia but in lots of ways it is like agoraphobia...a dislike of being out of control and away from a safe space usually home.I have been battling this and struggle to shop or go out alone.Sounds weird and I can be ok at times.I changed jobs to avoid the dreaded bus!
Add masks into the mix and I'm certain I won't go out now.My dh does the shopping.Before anyone says it is to control the virus I do understand this.
.My boss has mentioned wearing masks but I am dreading it though I will do my best.Good luck to anyone with bad anxiety I hope we can do this for everyone's health and safety.I too will practice at home.

Einszwei · 15/07/2020 20:33

Maybe try just wearing a mask at home first? That way you could start with wearing it for short periods of time, a minute or so and then work your way up.

I would also start with a disposable surgical mask as I find them the most comfortable.

Lampan · 17/07/2020 09:01

I have been ridiculously claustrophobic all my life. A ‘friend lived on 26th floor of a building and I would take the stairs’ type of claustrophobic.
However, I have had to wear a mask occasionally for work and also on my travels. Now I have to wear one all the time at work, which means a whole half day without even taking it off and on. I promise it gets a lot easier until you don’t even notice it much. I find the best type are the disposable ones cos they feel more breathable than fabric. Just practice at home and build up your wearing time bit by bit. It’s quite nice to not have to bother with lipstick etc every day now 😄

JER27 · 29/08/2020 13:35

CLAUSTROPHOBIA CAUSES. I have a woman friend who, like me, is
severely claustrophobic. She attributes it to the prolonged birth we both experienced.

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