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?

But why now isn't it going to be personal choice in England as from tomorrow so just don't wear a mask I don't think you need an identifier .

@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.

Exactly

I had one wayyyyyyy before covid even started. You used to be able to use them to get extra help with your shopping in Tesco’s!!

It’s a shame. Because it means fuck all now really

@Mrsjayy

But why now isn't it going to be personal choice in England as from tomorrow so just don't wear a mask I don't think you need an identifier .

Because it may come back plus so many people are saying we should keep wearing them anyway. Also not sure where will still insist on it still

Sunflower lanyard was originally for invisible disability to let shops etc know you might be slower or struggle with things not just for people with Autism , now you can buy them off ebay with mask exemption cards on them. You used to get them free in supermarkets and airports.

@duvetdayforeveryone

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 :(

It was ANY hidden disability not just for autism. I had one way before covid and do not have autism.

@Mrsjayy

Sunflower lanyard was originally for invisible disability to let shops etc know you might be slower or struggle with things not just for people with Autism , now you can buy them off ebay with mask exemption cards on them. You used to get them free in supermarkets and airports.

Yes this

OP I'm glad you finally have a lanyard and that you feel happier out and about now

I sympathize OP - my asthma is well controlled except for walking up stairs. I have to take my mask off for more than a couple of flights. It's the gasping / sucking in effect for me.

Otherwise it's only when the temps are really high / air quality is really poor (often in London) and I'm lucky that I can plan for that.

I did however have a bit like a panic attack wearing a mask in an MRI scanner and it was horrible. I think when you have asthma there is a deep fear of not being able to breathe.

Good luck

Some of us just can't improve our asthma any further and will always have

@duvetdayforeveryone

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 :(

Incorrect.

It was for hidden disabilities.

@Mrsjayy

Sunflower lanyard was originally for invisible disability to let shops etc know you might be slower or struggle with things not just for people with Autism , now you can buy them off ebay with mask exemption cards on them. You used to get them free in supermarkets and airports.

Yes, this

My daughter had one for her hidden disability before covid - she isn’t autistic. There wasn’t a card for her specific disability at the time so she just has a general “I have a hidden disability” one. At the moment she has a card exemption card attached to the lanyard because her hidden disability means she can’t wear a mask.

But why now isn't it going to be personal choice in England as from tomorrow so just don't wear a mask I don't think you need an identifier

My daughter was still subjected to the same abuse when they were personal choice last year.

When you’re called selfish, blamed for prolonging the pandemic, called a cunt, told that it’s your fault people are dying every time you get on a bus/go to college/attend a medical appointment/go in a shop, I guess you’ll try anything to get people to leave you the fuck alone.

I don’t understand why now, after 18 months of mask requirements, you’ve decided to get a lanyard. It just perpetuates the general public’s belief that lanyards are about mask and not what they are actually there for, which is to indicate a hidden disability. By purchasing one solely for a mask exemption, you’re adding to the problem. I could understand a little more if we were in the thick of the pandemic but masks are not a legal requirement in England after tomorrow! I feel sorry for people who benefitted from the lanyards before they were co-opted.

Worth ordering, OP, as I wouldn't be surprised if masks come and go for a while.

I won't be throwing mine away anytime soon!

No one needs a sign around their neck to satisfy the judgemental pricks that Covid has brought out the woodwork. Wear a mask or don't. Your business. No-one else's.

Seems strange to get one now but if it makes you feel better, as anyone can purchase them of eBay ect I don’t take much notice of them .

I have a badge that specifically states I am exempt from wearing a badge. I will continue to wear it whilst a significant number of people are still wearing masks. I still wear a mask when I can but I have the badge on in case I get shouted at for taking the mask off - which has happened on a number of occasions.

@BunsyGirl I thought you were being satirical but I think it might be a typo?

Sunflower lanyards are not mark exemption lanyards.

Their original purpose was for hidden disabilities and wearing them so people in shops, airports etc will know you need help.

Now they've lost their true purpose their pointless.

Many people who have a lanyard, can wear a mask.

🤦‍♀️

@ENoeuf yes a typo

*My daughter was still subjected to the same abuse when they were personal choice last year.

When you’re called selfish, blamed for prolonging the pandemic, called a cunt, told that it’s your fault people are dying every time you get on a bus/go to college/attend a medical appointment/go in a shop, I guess you’ll try anything to get people to leave you the fuck alone.*

People are arseholes nobody should go through abuse.

I’d ignore the bullies and Covid cultists.
Nobody should be bullied for their health condition, it’s not as if you are up close and breathing on people.

@LemonViolet

I wish there was a recognisable lanyard colour/pattern for “I am clinically vulnerable please keep socially distant from me”

I have a badge https://shop.bloodcancer.org.uk/products/shieldingbadge?pos=2&sid=1de8c8a0c&_ss=r

@KeepingAnOpenMind

I’d ignore the bullies and Covid cultists. Nobody should be bullied for their health condition, it’s not as if you are up close and breathing on people.

I am unconvinced a lanyard will stop a spiteful bully from verbally abusing a mask exempt person. It’s unacceptable to be abused to being mask exempt.

Thanks for that @MaybeHeIsMyCat !!!!

I didn’t even think of badges so you got me googling. Seems Scotland and Wales governments have #DistanceAware schemes with a shield symbol as well. Hopefully that will become widely recognised.

We don’t know what type of cancer Mum has but I’ve found MacMillan do a shielding badge as well so have ordered some for her :-) Thankyou.

I am unconvinced a lanyard will stop a spiteful bully from verbally abusing a mask exempt person. It’s unacceptable to be abused to being mask exempt

You are right, they don't. They are great if you are anxious about being challenged by staff. Shop staff will see them and leave you alone. But any sort of lanyard/badge wont stop self appointed mask police from being utter knobs and approaching you.
I don't understand why a total stranger has a right to know why you are not wearing a mask.

My asd daughter had a lanyard pre covid. We lost it just before lockdown. We shielded her.
When she could go out, we got her a new one in a shopping centre info point. She proceeded to take her mask off because she thought that’s what it was now for. Then the meltdowns proceeded when we tried to explain. :( Fuck knows how the lanyards meaning will ever be reclaimed, and it’s sad that someone who needed the lanyard was innocently influenced by those who never did in the first place.