Mask and panic attacks/ sensory overload

[Teafirst]

Firstly please know I'm not going to stop wearing one, but I'd be super grateful for any hints and tips to make it less panic inducing.

I've started feeling - overwhelmed when I wear a mask. I wear glasses too and taking them off helps a little, but I feel like there's too much stuff on my face. I kind of feel full like I can't take in anything else and if I need to listen to the children or take information in l, I just can't. Then I started feeling like I couldn't breathe either. I know it's stupid, I've got this far always wearing one, what's gone wrong? I honestly feel slightly unhinged typing this out but I just wondered if anyone else felt like this and how you coped.

Obviously masks are going to be around for a while yet, and I need to wear one for school and nursery drop offs and if I have visitors in my office. So far I've excused myself if I can, gone outside and tried to regroup without mask before starting again. But by the end of the day everything just feels too much - a bit like when a baby cluster feeds and is on you all day. I don't even really know if I'm describing this well,it's awful, physically awful.

No advice but sometimes it's nice to know your not the only person who has this problem.
I have similar issues with masks and have been told by several health care professionals that I can consider myself exempt, when I've had panic attacks in appointments.
The stupid thing is I can wear a mask to do the weekly shop just fine; it's only when there is another added stress that I get completely overwhelmed.
I can't take my glasses off because I panic even more if I can't see.

I'm not brave enough to face the glances I'd get if I didn't wear a mask. That would also be enough stress to induce a panic attack.

I'm really hoping they are not required much longer.

Face masks to be individual choice from Wednesday 26th and from tomorrow in schools.

If you are wearing a cloth mask I'm not at all surprised.
Disposable ones arelike night and day.
I was advised not to wear one due to a lung condition but I can manage with a paper mask so I don't consider myself exempt.

OP, you have my sympathy, I've had similar issues. Masks have cause panic attacks so, depending on where my mental health is, I don't always wear one. When I do I use disposable ones as the metal part and the structure of the fabric helps keep it away from my face as much as possible.

If it's any consolation, I've never had a single comment about not wearing a mask, although I have often explained it to others around me. You don't need a GP letter or a lanyard or anything else for an exemption.