Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

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

333 replies

DidSheReallySayThat20 · 04/09/2020 21:31

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.

OP posts:
Boxer12 · 05/09/2020 12:33

Oh my Christ!

So if anyone dares to suggest that the vulnerable stay home and let the fit and healthy go out and live their lives it is discrimination and a disgraceful way to think.

Yet some on here are expecting those who can’t wear a mask to stay home and do all their shopping online. I just give up! And wearing a lanyard hardly makes a difference seeing as anyone can print one out.

We just need to accept that some cannot wear one and some just will not wear one. As long as you and the majority of others are sticking to the rules it is better than nothing.

PhilCornwall1 · 05/09/2020 12:37

We just need to accept that some cannot wear one and some just will not wear one. As long as you and the majority of others are sticking to the rules it is better than nothing.

Oh no, it's covid you know, nothing is more important than covid and it gives people a right to be wankers.

NailsNeedDoing · 05/09/2020 12:40

It’s very sad the our society has got to the point where those things are considered by anyone to be reasonable options when the alternative would just be for other people to keep their rude, self centred opinions to themselves.

Burpeesshmurpees · 05/09/2020 12:42

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

LangClegsInSpace · 05/09/2020 12:43

Arseholes are out in force I see.

The government guidance says:

Exemption cards

Those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering should not be routinely asked to give any written evidence of this, this includes exemption cards. No person needs to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about their reason for not wearing a face covering.

Some people may feel more comfortable showing something that says they do not have to wear a face covering. This could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or even a home-made sign.

This is a personal choice and is not necessary in law.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own#when-you-do-not-need-to-wear-a-face-covering

I think masks are generally a good idea for situations where it's difficult to socially distance but I'm now at the point where I think the regs that make them mandatory should be scrapped altogether.

The amount of nastiness and discrimination that has resulted is just not worth the small, potential reduction in risk.

Making them voluntary again, coupled with a clear, honest public health messaging campaign, would also take a lot of heat out of the conspiracy theorists' anti-'muzzle' agenda (some of which I think is also driven by mental health issues).

Batshitbeautycosmeticsltd · 05/09/2020 12:43

I find it rather strange tbh that people with asthma/copd/anxiety etc, and the OPs fear of being suffocated (it's been proven masks do not reduce oxygen levels, so it's an emotional issue) are willing to risk a lung disease which makes sufferers feel like they are being suffocated as it fills the lungs with fluid. Very odd logic

And here I was lead to believe a rather large percentage of them are asymptomatic entirely.

Here's a little tip for the ignorant: conditions like PTSD don't follow logic; this is why they are recognised as they are.

NailsNeedDoing · 05/09/2020 12:46

I think people can be understanding to both sides, but when one side is following the rules and minding their own business and one side is breaking the rules by challenging when they have no right to or being rude and making others feel bad, then I find it pretty easy to decide where my sympathy and understanding is going to be directed first.

Burpeesshmurpees · 05/09/2020 12:52

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

NailsNeedDoing · 05/09/2020 12:55

Not everything is black and white, but it is when it comes to being rude to strangers in public when they’ve done nothing wrong. You just don’t do it, it really is that simple.

Do you really condone people making challenging or rude comments to strangers in public? You really think that’s ok?

derxa · 05/09/2020 13:00

If you are unable to tolerate a mask, could your husband then not do the household shopping in order to be considerate of others' health? Yes. Why do you have to go shopping? You're causing anxiety in others.

NailsNeedDoing · 05/09/2020 13:10

The others were anxious anyway, and chose to go out knowing that some people wouldn’t wear masks. Why do they have to go shopping?

DamnShesaSexyChick · 05/09/2020 13:10

Wear a mask or a badge/lanyard it’s not difficult, everyone else is having to adapt.

PhilCornwall1 · 05/09/2020 13:13

@DamnShesaSexyChick

Wear a mask or a badge/lanyard it’s not difficult, everyone else is having to adapt.
The point is though, the lanyards don't work.
MadameBlobby · 05/09/2020 13:14

Actually, amid a global public health crisis, others' rationale for non-masking IS everyone's business.

No it isn’t.

Jeez, it must suck to be you. Absolutely everything I have seen you post is completely wrong!

DamnShesaSexyChick · 05/09/2020 13:15

No that’s not the point, badges/lanyards are mitigation and the least OP and others in that situation can do.

Spikeyball · 05/09/2020 13:17

"Why do you have to go shopping? You're causing anxiety in others."

I expect there are lots of things that you do that cause anxiety in others. Perhaps you should stay in.

Spikeyball · 05/09/2020 13:19

How are they mitigation? In what way do they prevent covid?

derxa · 05/09/2020 13:20

The others were anxious anyway, and chose to go out knowing that some people wouldn’t wear masks. Why do they have to go shopping?
Oh come on. Shopping is awful at the moment and this just adds a little bit more stress.
I had to go to an outpatient appointment recently. One woman brought her mother (not the patient) who wasn't wearing a mask. I had to move seats and I'm not the nervous type.

PhilCornwall1 · 05/09/2020 13:20

@DamnShesaSexyChick

No that’s not the point, badges/lanyards are mitigation and the least OP and others in that situation can do.
I am in that situation and I'm talking from experience, that's the point I'm making, if that's ok.
derxa · 05/09/2020 13:21

I expect there are lots of things that you do that cause anxiety in others. Perhaps you should stay in. I am staying in because I've recently had a breast cancer operation.

PerveenMistry · 05/09/2020 13:22

@derxa

If you are unable to tolerate a mask, could your husband then not do the household shopping in order to be considerate of others' health? Yes. Why do you have to go shopping? You're causing anxiety in others.
She's not just causing anxiety, she could be asymptomatically spreading the virus.

People who cannot wear masks should make extra effort to protect others. If one has a spouse capable of doing the truly necessary shopping, why go out at all and put others at risk?

PhilCornwall1 · 05/09/2020 13:23

@derxa

If you are unable to tolerate a mask, could your husband then not do the household shopping in order to be considerate of others' health? Yes. Why do you have to go shopping? You're causing anxiety in others.
Jesus Christ, it's about time a few in this god forsaken hole of a country got some backbone.
PerveenMistry · 05/09/2020 13:25

@NailsNeedDoing

The others were anxious anyway, and chose to go out knowing that some people wouldn’t wear masks. Why do they have to go shopping?
Anxiety doesn't put others at risk. Going out unmasked does. See the difference there?
derxa · 05/09/2020 13:25

She's not just causing anxiety, she could be asymptomatically spreading the virus. People who cannot wear masks should make extra effort to protect others. If one has a spouse capable of doing the truly necessary shopping, why go out at all and put others at risk? I agree.
Fortunately where I live there are none of the non mask wearers. It just isn't a thing.

derxa · 05/09/2020 13:27

Jesus Christ, it's about time a few in this god forsaken hole of a country got some backbone. Normally I'd agree with you but not in this instance.

Swipe left for the next trending thread