To feel really shit about how people judged me for no mask.

[DidSheReallySayThat20]

For the record. I've previously tried wearing a mask until today. I have ptsd relating to being suffocated in a DV relationship. I spent years in therapy and on meds to cope daily.
The last few times I've come over funny and feeling like I'm goi g to have a panic attack which I haven't had one in 4 years.
I also suffer with anxiety shopping in a store where I don't normally shop.

The gp said I do not need to wear a mask and I have valid reason for exemption

Today shopping two different sets of people were vocal about it.. One was a mutter I could barely catch but I heard.. that's 4 no masks today and continued out of ear shot

I kept my head down I felt awful. Then a couple said excuse me, you are aware of the rules or Are you another young one who thinks they're above the law.. I ignored them. I wish I'd come back with a reply now.
Only ' good' thing was being called young at nr 40.

Its been on my mind since and I honestly have tried but the anxiety and stress they caused and thinking about it days up to shopping day and after wearing one I woild of ended up back on anti depressants because it affected me so badly.

The media and society seems to have done a good job In making people think that abusing others in all sorts of nasty vile ways makes them a responsible member of society who deserves a big pat on the back.

What a twisted world we appear to now live in.

"I am exempt." Loudly, clearly and with a hard stare. Then walk away.
Even if they think you should be wearing one, I can't believe they'd be so rude as to say it out loud

Some of the replies on here are disgusting. Should people with hidden disabilities just stay in their houses and never go out in public again? Either that or be made to wear a badge or better yet ring a bell or something so all the sanctimonious assholes can know that they don't have to shout at them.

I don't know why certain people think someone else's disability is their business and the ones who swear at them are probably from the same ilk who told me that I should have my visibly distressed autistic son "put down" or keep him away from "normal people."

The scariest thing about this whole pandemic is the way it's made some people try to police others actions.

@Sarahlou63 - Before You wrote your contribution did you read anything about PTSD at all? Get some EMPATHY for crying out loud.

The scariest thing about this whole pandemic is the way it's made some people try to police others actions.*

Because they think that this bloody virus has now given them some god given right to know everyone's business.

The reality is, they have zero rights to know anyone's business and to ask them to justify their actions.

@PerveenMistry - why do you think your concern trumps other people’s trauma?

Here is a blog from someone with PTSD: blogs.psychcentral.com/neurodivergent/2020/07/ocd-ptsd-spd-and-covid-masks-panic-attacks-and-a-trip-to-target/

Sounds quite tough doesn’t it.

I think that part of the problem is the number of people who are not exempt and have no reason not to comply yet still refuse to wear a mask.

Your reason is totally valid and they have no right to comment. I'm sorry you're going through this.

“ I think that part of the problem is the number of people who are not exempt and have no reason not to comply yet still refuse to wear a mask.“

This is a separate issue. People who use this as an excuse to abuse people who are exempt from wearing masks are the problem.

I do understand how wearing a mask can be difficult or impossible for some people but I also think that everyone should be playing their part in trying to reduce the spread of the virus. I therefore think that those who can’t wear masks should limit the shops they go in to those that are essential, and where possible do online shopping or get someone else to shop for them. It’s hopefully only for a short period of time until a vaccine comes along. Until then we should all do our bit to control it. I don’t really think there’s any need for anyone to wander maskless around Waterstones.

Dh said about the lanyard but I feel like I shouldn't wear one

Why? SWR (rail company if you're not in the south) and my GP say you have to download their exemption card or use the lanyard or wear a mask. Shops aren't really any different and it does save you running the gauntlet of the idiots.

People comment even when you are wearing a lanyard.

The reality is that most people see those with mental health difficulties as lesser beings. So much of our negative language is around discriminatory terms (mental, schizo, and worse I'm not going to state). If someone commits a heinous crime or is abusive, "they must be mental, no normal person would act like that". There's no other protected group that society would openly denigrate so much.

Have you thought about popping headphones in as you shop? You may not be able to stop others complaining but at least you'll stop hearing it!

@MrBucket

“ We don't know, if you don't tell us. If it means you get to shop in peace and aren't abused or hounded and traumatised, surely it's worth it to make up a card like a namecard with a safety pin on your top that says 'I am exempt from wearing a mask due to medical reasons, please don't abuse me.'. You could even explain on it about PTSD if you want, or maybe just the basics. But people aren't mindreaders, and yes, we do judge those who don't wear a mask, especially as it affects our health, all of our health.”

You are condoning abusing people in public, admitting that you do it possibly. Are you not ashamed of yourself? How can you excuse abuse like this? The way that people can post absolutely foul things whilst claiming they are the socially responsible ones is extraordinary

@MrBucket Wow, what a disgusting an ignorant post! How are YOU not ashamed of yourself? It is wise and prudent for people with disabilities to wear badges. My late father wore a Visually Impaired badge. Many with autism hear wear a lanyard or a badge. As for face masks, here is a site that makes badges for people with disabilities. Go tell THEM they 'should be ashamed of themselves'! The clip badge is what I was referring to. shop.disabilityhorizons.com/products/ppe/mask-exemption-travel-card-lanyard-or-clip-badge/

Wearing badges for disabilities is now RECOMMENDED by organisations for disabilities. So welcome to the modern world!

Another: ^What we do
We’re a social enterprise that supports people to live happy, healthy and hopeful lives, whether they’re:

• adults who have learning or physical disabilities, challenges with their mental health or difficulties as they’re getting older;

• people in and around the criminal justice system; or

• families who’ve been through unsteady times.

No-matter who you are or where your life has taken you, we’ll listen, understand and find a way to help you reach your goals.

With us, you can
Our world revolves around you. How you’re supported is your choice, and we promise to always respect that. We’ll never judge you, we’ll always listen and we’ll give you as much or as little support as you want or need from us – it’s up to you.

We want you to be as independent as possible, so we’ll do everything we can to help you see your own potential, get out there and live your life your way, no-matter what it throws at you.^ Picture is from this page:
psspeople.com/whats-happening/news/mask

and

shop.disabilityhorizons.com/products/ppe/mask-exemption-travel-card-lanyard-or-clip-badge/

Social distancing is not foolproof. It's meant to be used in conjunction with masks.

You’ve got this backwards. Masks are there to help when social distancing can’t be maintained. Social distancing is what’s most important (along with regular hand washing) not masks.

It’s literally in the government guidance that you shouldn’t question people not wearing a mask, and that no one needs to carry an exempt card with them unless they choose to. Invisible disabilities are invisible. - it's not only gov guidelines, it;s the actual law that you are not required to give any reason, medical, mental, physical, for why you are not wearing a mask.

To anyone other than the Police.

I do wear a mask, I hate them, and I hate other people complaining about those not wearing them. I spoke to a person yesterday who said she ran a shop. She asks people to wear a mask, and if they don't, she asks them to leave. This is actually illegal. (It's not her shop, it's an Optician-shop)

I do wonder how people get on it other countries (spain, france etc) where there are NO exemptions. PTSD? Asthma? COPD? No sympathy and no exemption.

Also, community transmission (passing contact in shops, in the street) is negligible, almost non existent. The masks are a means of making people think they're OK to get back to normal life and spend money. When they were needed they weren't mandated. Where they are still needed (in the pubs, in schools) they're still not mandated!

@MrBucket So maybe you can re-think your rude and disgusting attitude! This is 2020. There are numerous disability merchandise for this. Disability organisations make money from it, that helps them help their patrons. Wearing badges for disabilities is 'in' with Disability Services.

And, let's not forget, that the Vast majority of people at the moment DO NOT HAVE Covid. Therefore if they don't have it, they can't possibly transmit it to anyone.

Personally I think people who've had Covid in the last 3 months (tested positive, have antibodies) should also be mask-exempt. They are not risk to anyone, and no one is a risk to them.

.

MadameMeursault I hope you are not leaving the house for anything but essential reasons, not seeing anyone outside of your own household. You don't need to be in Waterstones either.

Those who want to talk to people about their behaviour could always take themselves off to the nearest airport and talk to all the people going abroad on holiday and lecture them about social distancing because that is what is causing the covid cases in my area, not people who cannot wear masks. Easier to harass the vulnerable though isn't it?

But no one should have to wear a bloody lanyard or badge just to appease the mask stasi!

There are exemptions in France and Spain. Why do people make that shit up.

I'm anxious about people with no masks. Luckily in my area most people are responsible and wear masks.

@ptumbi In Spain there are exemptions, but you need evidence. I double checked this as I'd like to go, and the local police (on Menorca) stated it is fine but if asked, you might be expected to produce a letter confirming diagnosis or exemption.

I don't know about France, but expect it would be similar. We just don't hear about it because people (on both sides of the argument) aren't moaning so much there, because they've been provided with clear guidelines by their government. That's what this comes down to, we've been messed about so much that people don't know what to do for the best anymore.