[Buffy01]

I had claustrophobia since I was a toddler. Now we have to wear a mask when we go out. I'm terrified of face mask. Any suggestions? On how to cope with wearing the mask. I feel like I am fighting for my life.

I refuse to wear these/ I refuse to even touch these.
I suppose, the best advice I can give you is that: try to think of the good you are doing for everyone around you

you put it on while you are doing what you need too, you come home, you take it off

I know it sounds terrifying (not even I can get my head around it), but try to think like that. the mask is protecting everyone

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by raging vortex

I refuse to wear these/ I refuse to even touch these.
I suppose, the best advice I can give you is that: try to think of the good you are doing for everyone around you

you put it on while you are doing what you need too, you come home, you take it off

I know it sounds terrifying (not even I can get my head around it), but try to think like that. the mask is protecting everyone

It just a fear that I have.

Originally Posted by Buffy01

It just a fear that I have.

hopefully it won't last forever.

I'm exactly the same with gloves. I won't wear them.. I think I'd rather stay inside than wear gloves and a mask

[MsLady]

Try it on for a few seconds at a time when you're at home. Gradually increase that time and build tolerance. I think the best way to deal with a fear is to face it. Give it a try and give yourself a lot of encouraging self talk. Pace yourself. Start with 5 seconds if you can. You can do it!

I'm kind of with you, though. I'm not afraid of the mask but I'm concerned about having to wear it for a lengthly period of time. I'll wear a face mask when I'm using my electric saw or painting with a strong chemical. But as for going out in public, I worry about being able to breathe in it for longer periods. I have a deviated septum so I don't breathe well through my nose so that's a concern for me.

Also, I feel kinda silly. I know many people have died or suffered from this virus so it's no joking matter. But.. I just feel silly participating in the hysteria. I can't get passed it. Where I live, we've been extremely lucky and our numbers are quite low.. and maybe that's why I've "under reacted".

[poshgirl]

Here in the UK we can use masks or face coverings. A scarf is acceptable and of course, it can be washed frequently.

Personally, I don't use anything. May be inconsiderate but what about my health? About ten years ago, had a very bad upper respiratory infection. Every few weeks I get a build up of mucus in my throat, which I then have to get rid of. The worst thing I can do is keep it trapped, but I do release it at home.

Also recently found out from a pharmacist that masks trap bugs, germs, etc and they are drawn back into your lungs after you sneeze or cough. If you are forced to wear one, why not try making it then you can control size, type of fabric?

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by raging vortex

hopefully it won't last forever.

I'm exactly the same with gloves. I won't wear them.. I think I'd rather stay inside than wear gloves and a mask

I understand!

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by MsLady

Try it on for a few seconds at a time when you're at home. Gradually increase that time and build tolerance. I think the best way to deal with a fear is to face it. Give it a try and give yourself a lot of encouraging self talk. Pace yourself. Start with 5 seconds if you can. You can do it!

I'm kind of with you, though. I'm not afraid of the mask but I'm concerned about having to wear it for a lengthly period of time. I'll wear a face mask when I'm using my electric saw or painting with a strong chemical. But as for going out in public, I worry about being able to breathe in it for longer periods. I have a deviated septum so I don't breathe well through my nose so that's a concern for me.

Also, I feel kinda silly. I know many people have died or suffered from this virus so it's no joking matter. But.. I just feel silly participating in the hysteria. I can't get passed it. Where I live, we've been extremely lucky and our numbers are quite low.. and maybe that's why I've "under reacted".

I was traumatized by the tube I had I me as baby although I have no memory of it.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by poshgirl

Here in the UK we can use masks or face coverings. A scarf is acceptable and of course, it can be washed frequently.

Personally, I don't use anything. May be inconsiderate but what about my health? About ten years ago, had a very bad upper respiratory infection. Every few weeks I get a build up of mucus in my throat, which I then have to get rid of. The worst thing I can do is keep it trapped, but I do release it at home.

Also recently found out from a pharmacist that masks trap bugs, germs, etc and they are drawn back into your lungs after you sneeze or cough. If you are forced to wear one, why not try making it then you can control size, type of fabric?

I wish that I knew

[Goforward]

Originally Posted by Buffy01

I had claustrophobia since I was a toddler. Now we have to wear a mask when we go out. I'm terrified of face mask. Any suggestions? On how to cope with wearing the mask. I feel like I am fighting for my life.

The soft cloth ones are tolerable to me. I don't like the paper ones because they are scratchy and fit too tightly.

[xmascarol]

I am not to crazy about them either I think it is because i know it is for me like I cannot breathe.I dont like being covered up like that.I have agoraphobia however most people who have that also have claustrophobia.I usaully after a couple of minutes pull it down because i wear the one with like some of the doctors wear the blue ones anyway i pull it down and take a few breaths for about a minute then put it back on,I jsut wish this whole virus would just disappear.

[poshgirl]

An update.

Apparently the only ones really suitable are those used by hospital staff. We've been told not to buy these so NHS and care homes have unrestricted supply.

Something to do with fabric density and ability to trap germs/virus. Homemade ones and scarves offer no protection whatsoever.

Still going without. Will be interesting what happens when I get hairdressers appointment. Word is they will be using disposable ones....

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by Goforward

The soft cloth ones are tolerable to me. I don't like the paper ones because they are scratchy and fit too tightly.

Both kinds bother me.

I have the paper and the cloth masks. I switch back and forth. I know neither of them really can protect me since surfaces are likely to have the COVID virus on them. I just try to remember to always wash my hands and not touch my face. Its weird to wear a face mask everywhere but now its the law, so you will get fined for not wearing a mask into a retail store or restaurant or hairdressers....supposedly.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by Motts

I have the paper and the cloth masks. I switch back and forth. I know neither of them really can protect me since surfaces are likely to have the COVID virus on them. I just try to remember to always wash my hands and not touch my face. Its weird to wear a face mask everywhere but now its the law, so you will get fined for not wearing a mask into a retail store or restaurant or hairdressers....supposedly.

I don't go anywhere anymore. I wash everything as often as possible.

Originally Posted by Buffy01

I don't go anywhere anymore. I wash everything as often as possible.

I stopped wearing gloves when I read that wearing loves just spreads the surface contaminants everywhere you touch with your gloves on. Now, I just try to remember to wash my hands and not touch my face.

I can't stay cooped up. I need to go grocery shopping once a week or I will go crazy and starve.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by Motts

I stopped wearing gloves when I read that wearing loves just spreads the surface contaminants everywhere you touch with your gloves on. Now, I just try to remember to wash my hands and not touch my face.

I can't stay cooped up. I need to go grocery shopping once a week or I will go crazy and starve.

I understand how you feel.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by xmascarol

I am not to crazy about them either I think it is because i know it is for me like I cannot breathe.I dont like being covered up like that.I have agoraphobia however most people who have that also have claustrophobia.I usaully after a couple of minutes pull it down because i wear the one with like some of the doctors wear the blue ones anyway i pull it down and take a few breaths for about a minute then put it back on,I jsut wish this whole virus would just disappear.

I understand. Due to what had happened to me as a baby that I had no memory of but my body remember what had happened. It bother me to have anything touch my face. I am claustrophobia. I just wish that the virus would disappear.

[Buffy01]

Originally Posted by poshgirl

An update.

Apparently the only ones really suitable are those used by hospital staff. We've been told not to buy these so NHS and care homes have unrestricted supply.

Something to do with fabric density and ability to trap germs/virus. Homemade ones and scarves offer no protection whatsoever.

Still going without. Will be interesting what happens when I get hairdressers appointment. Word is they will be using disposable ones....

I heard about that myself. I heard about some of the mask don't protect. I heard about the limit supplies with the hospital.