Finally ordered a sunflower Lanyard

[Woodandsky]

Feels ridiculous doing it now when the rules are relaxing again, but I've managed my asthma all through the mask wearing by taking things easy and not going out that much. I also have anxiety issues that made the thought of having to explain why I sometimes find masks difficult really worse than risking setting off my asthma.

Anyway now that I'm getting out more I'm having to wear a mask more and more often & starting to have issues; yesterday I was on a train & had a huge asthma attack due to having to run for the train then drag my case through several carriages to find my seat. I then had a massive panic attack about being on a train & the tube without a mask (I couldn't breathe with it on), in the end I don't know where the asthma stopped and the panic attack started.

I checked my Facebook in the evening and friends are posting about how we should all carry on wearing masks after the restrictions are eased (for good reasons I know) and I thought I can't carry on any longer, so I finally ordered a lanyard & card saying I can't wear the mask due to my asthma, it has emergency instructions about the inhaler and a space for an emergency contact too, I feel like such an idiot for leaving it for so long!

I will try to wear a mask as much as I can still, but I'll always have it in my bag for when I can't.

Just wanted to share, anyone else held out & suffered for this long in order to try to do the right thing or not stand out?

@PrayingandHoping

Tbh op I wouldn't tell people u can't wear a mask for asthma as even asthma uk have said that masks don't effect asthma sufferers

www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/coronavirus-covid-19/what-should-people-with-asthma-do-now/should-i-wear-a-face-mask-or-face-covering/

What prob is your exemption is your anxiety that you can't breathe, so you should wear a lanyard for that reason. But if u tell people it's because of asthma if they are aware of the official medical guidance they may argue the point with you which won't be helpful

This is from the website you linked to:

Most people with asthma, even if it’s severe, can manage to wear a face mask or face covering for a short period of time....
...People with asthma are not officially exempt from wearing face coverings, but if you, or your child, find it impossible to wear a face mask because it affects your breathing, or for other physical or mental health reasons, you do not have to wear one, even in situations where face coverings are legally required.
Callers to our Helpline tell us they’re worried about being challenged by others, or fined, for not wearing a face covering. But all governments across the UK make it clear that people who cannot wear a face covering for health reasons should not be routinely asked to prove why they are exempt. You can also download an exemption card.

Yes I can wear one in many circumstances and I'm intending to carry on doing so, but hours of travelling by train and the physical effort of dragging luggage on the tube etc coupled with wearing a mask set off an asthma attack, the anxiety / panic attack came after that I was worried that I would be challenged about not wearing a mask which I then couldn't due to the after effects of the asthma attack.

Maybe as the need for masks (hopefully) goes away, some sort of media campaign could be launched regarding the original meaning, in the end maybe more people will understand than did before?

Exactly.... I know what it says. Asthmatics are not exempt for wearing face masks. That doesn't mean it can't effect your breathing but it's not because of asthma. A lot of research was done to prove that face masks don't change oxygen levels

I'm only trying to help.... you've be better just to wear one without a reason on it. No one will ask u the reason.

I have v severe asthma which actually is significantly better when wearing a mask.

Given that anyone can order a lanyard over the internet, they mean nothing.

There’s only you know whether you genuinely shouldn’t have to wear a mask but you don’t have to explain to anyone your medical reason for not wearing one.

Hope you’re feeling better.

Sorry but if someone was going to give you shit or just judge you anyway, they will do it with a lanyard or not. The lanyards don't mean anything. I know someone who is anti vaxx and has one

Are you having medical/professional help? It sounds like your asthma (and anxiety) isn’t that well controlled if you had a huge asthma attack followed by a ‘massive anxiety attack.’

I don’t see an issue with the lanyard but I’d want to get the core issues seen to professionally if they’re affecting your life like that.

@Kanaloa

Are you having medical/professional help? It sounds like your asthma (and anxiety) isn’t that well controlled if you had a huge asthma attack followed by a ‘massive anxiety attack.’

I don’t see an issue with the lanyard but I’d want to get the core issues seen to professionally if they’re affecting your life like that.

Thank you, I have my asthma review next week (coincidentally), I haven't had any problems for months but I had been trying to cut back slightly on my preventer after the dose was doubled last year. I guess I got my answer on that one. Anxiety wise I haven't had any help for years and I thought I was managing quite well but also not so sure about that now either...

Lanyards sadly have lost any impact they were not really meant for mask exception b but if you want to wear it wear it,I don't know why it's taken you so long to get one it doesn't make much sense if restrictions in England are lifting.

Sunflower Lanyards used to be a thing for hidden disabilities. My 6 year old used to wear one so people maybe would be more understanding of her verbal stimming among other behaviours that make people uncomfortable.
Now they are pointless for her. Every fucker has one so they are now the symbol for not having to wear a mask and it totally negates their original use.

@Lovemusic33

These lanyards no longer mean a thing, so many have purchased them because they can’t or don’t want to wear a mask. I bought them for my DD’s before all the covid stuff, both my dc have autism, the lanyards made it easier to do things and visit places without people asking questions “why is dd holding her ears?” Or “why is dd flapping her arms?” But now they seem to be used to say “I’m not wearing a mask because I have anxiety…PTSD…breathing difficulties….etc…”. It’s made them pretty useless now for people like my DD’s.

If you don’t want to wear a mask or can’t wear one then don’t, you don’t need to justify yourself by wearing a lanyard.

THIS

@Lovemusic33

These lanyards no longer mean a thing, so many have purchased them because they can’t or don’t want to wear a mask. I bought them for my DD’s before all the covid stuff, both my dc have autism, the lanyards made it easier to do things and visit places without people asking questions “why is dd holding her ears?” Or “why is dd flapping her arms?” But now they seem to be used to say “I’m not wearing a mask because I have anxiety…PTSD…breathing difficulties….etc…”. It’s made them pretty useless now for people like my DD’s.

If you don’t want to wear a mask or can’t wear one then don’t, you don’t need to justify yourself by wearing a lanyard.

I am autistic and feel the same. I used it in the airport etc before covid when I genuinely needed assistance getting from a to b, going through security etc. I worry now that they will not be much use to me in the future for similar situations. That may mean I am unable to fly or take part in many other situations because the lanyards have lost their original meaning.

Yes.
My DSs are ND and the lanyards were so useful when travelling through airports previously. They took the stress from us all and made flying a lot less fraught. I don't know what will happen when/if we go abroad this year.

@Lovemusic33

These lanyards no longer mean a thing, so many have purchased them because they can’t or don’t want to wear a mask. I bought them for my DD’s before all the covid stuff, both my dc have autism, the lanyards made it easier to do things and visit places without people asking questions “why is dd holding her ears?” Or “why is dd flapping her arms?” But now they seem to be used to say “I’m not wearing a mask because I have anxiety…PTSD…breathing difficulties….etc…”. It’s made them pretty useless now for people like my DD’s.

If you don’t want to wear a mask or can’t wear one then don’t, you don’t need to justify yourself by wearing a lanyard.

I completely agree with you. They were not designed for those who wish to simply remain mask less for various reasons through the pandemic and the reason for their creation was good in the first place. I feel its a shame they have lost their meaning personally and it irritates me when every Tom, Dick and Harry buys them claiming nonsense now.

I dont really think it's appropriate to use a lanyard for asthma? Just carry your inhalers with you at all times.

They were meant for people with additional needs to let other people know they may need extra support. Now they are just worn by anyone who feels like not wearing a mask.

@ENoeuf

I agree the lanyards have been hijacked for people who can’t or won’t wear masks - I guess they all have hidden disabilities (you can’t see asthma) and the worlds moved on so they need them.

I do get this point of view. I can’t wear a mask for long periods, but don’t class myself as having a disability either. I have a lanyard because it has morphed into a symbol of mask exemption in many cases. If I wear my lanyard, I don’t get randomers giving me a hard time, or questioning me.

No, the sunflower lanyard probably isn’t appropriate but what should we do instead?

Of course, if people hadn't decided to be the mask police and question those exempt who weren't wearing a lanyard, then the lanyards wouldn't have been used to signify inability to wear a mask. So if you're annoyed that that's what they are now assumed to mean, you know who to blame.

@Lovemusic33

These lanyards no longer mean a thing, so many have purchased them because they can’t or don’t want to wear a mask. I bought them for my DD’s before all the covid stuff, both my dc have autism, the lanyards made it easier to do things and visit places without people asking questions “why is dd holding her ears?” Or “why is dd flapping her arms?” But now they seem to be used to say “I’m not wearing a mask because I have anxiety…PTSD…breathing difficulties….etc…”. It’s made them pretty useless now for people like my DD’s.

If you don’t want to wear a mask or can’t wear one then don’t, you don’t need to justify yourself by wearing a lanyard.

This.

On a rare trip out with DD (who has worn a lanyard pre pandemic) she was told by one of the staff on a supermarket door that she could take her mask off because she had a lanyard. As a result my autistic child refused to wear a mask ever again, because the official shop person said it was ok

I used to wear a lanyard for travelling - long train journeys and if anything went wrong (delays, mis journey cancellation, rail replacement) the staff would know to ask if I needed help. I no longer wear one and the last time there was an issue with a train journey ended a few hours short of my destination I was so stressed and (here was a lot of uncertainty before they decided to terminate) I couldn't even speak to approach anyone. Had they approached me though, I may have been able to work through that non verbal moment.

Lanyards were a fantastic idea, they mean shit all now.

If you don't want to wear a mask, don't wear a mask. If you didn't wear a lanyard before, don't start wearing one now.

@RavenclawDiadem No, the sunflower lanyard probably isn’t appropriate but what should we do instead?

Nothing. Just don't wear a mask if you don't have to.

I disagree that the lanyards are useless.

There is now a much wider understanding of what they mean and people will understand that anyone still wearing a lanyard has a hidden disability that means they need support/ tolerance/ understanding/ space/ whatever.

They may have come to mean ‘mask exempt’ during the last two years, but now masks are no longer mandatory the knowledge that the lanyard indicates hidden disabilities or difficulties remains.

In time when Covid is yesterday’s news, anyone wearing a lanyard will obviously not be doing so to avoid wearing a mask. I had never heard of them outside of airports prior to Covid so increased knowledge of what they represent has to be a good thing.

@Worldgonecrazy

I disagree that the lanyards are useless.

There is now a much wider understanding of what they mean and people will understand that anyone still wearing a lanyard has a hidden disability that means they need support/ tolerance/ understanding/ space/ whatever.

They may have come to mean ‘mask exempt’ during the last two years, but now masks are no longer mandatory the knowledge that the lanyard indicates hidden disabilities or difficulties remains.

In time when Covid is yesterday’s news, anyone wearing a lanyard will obviously not be doing so to avoid wearing a mask. I had never heard of them outside of airports prior to Covid so increased knowledge of what they represent has to be a good thing.

If you ask most people what they mean now though they say "health condition that means you don't have to wear a mask." How is that helpful?

Op ignore @Kittykat93

You shouldn’t feel bad at all about not wearing your mask when you feel that you can’t breathe and totally appropriate to wear a lanyard

The impact of the use of the lanyard by idiots during the pandemic is a separate issue that willl hopefully go away after the pandemic

@ForTheLoveOfSleep I’m in Scotland where masks are still compulsory. We never had the break from wearing them from summer - December which they had in England. In my small town compliance Is very high. Before I got my lanyard I would get “hard stares” and passive aggressive comments about conspiracy theory people thinking they’re so special not wearing masks. I don’t get those with a lanyard on.

I don’t like confrontation. I don’t want to feel under pressure to explain myself to a randomer in Tesco. As soon as masks are non-compulsory in Scotland I’ll be ditching the masks AND the lanyard. Until then…

@Kittykat93

I dont really think it's appropriate to use a lanyard for asthma? Just carry your inhalers with you at all times.

Obviously I carry my inhalers all the time. The point is that in some circumstances warring a mask either sets off an asthma attack or makes it worse and the anxiety of being judged / confronted about it makes it worse again.

Wearing a lanyard is rightly or wrongly the public way of signifying that you have a reason not to wear it. Obviously it means other things too and as mask wearing subsides the original purpose will become the main reason for wearing them again.

The sunflower lanyard before covid was for people with Autism.

Then covid came along and as always those with Autism are thrown to the side.

I'm not blaming you @Woodandsky as you weren't the one that changed the lanyard usage, but it does make me mighty sad :(