Covid, masks and a panic disorder

[Guest_4593]

We have Caught up to the rest of the world And Where In lockdown.. wearing a mask is not unusual for my job at times usually for no more than 10 to 30 minutes.. but i tend not to because i find it hard to Breathe and feel Claustrophobic and other feelings. but now we have a Compulsory mask wearing at all times. How are people that have been doing this all year dealing with wearing a mask for 8 hours a day with a panic disorder

[smallwolf]

Hi. I cannot answer your question but I have a sense of what you are feeling.... I also had issues with wearing a mask for extended periods of time. My wife had to wear one of day at her workplace and lost her voice as a result of talking to customers on the phone. Another person I know refused to go to church because of that claustrophobic feeling (you mentioned).

I guess you do not have the opportunity to work from home either?

The only other thought is the type of mask you are wearing. I had great problems with the disposable masks. Using a mask made of material was better (for me). That said.... there are also web site that talk about the myths around wearing masks and breathing difficulties and oxygen and C02.

I think this is becoming part of reality in these situation today. 😞

What sort of work do you do (if I can ask)?

[Guest_4593]

Thanks for replying i appreciate your response. Work in a hospital . So i have to wear the level 3 masks and im also small not height but technically underweight and the 1 size fits all masks are not fitting for me. Its ok for 10 minutes but 8 hours im just feeling so unsure with that. im not at work till Wednesday but its all im thinking about is the masks . People are already talking and texting how awful it is and i just think im not sure with my anxiety and panic if i will do well with it

[Quercus]

Hello from a fellow West Aussie ❤️.

I've no idea how everyone has coped either! I overheat easily because of meds and find the mask makes it even worse.

I agree totally about trying different masks. The fabric ones are much more comfortable and are easier to fit. If you find a seamstress ask if they're making masks. We have a friend who started this last outbreak to try stay afloat. They can tailor them to fit you better too.

My other half is finding the masks very very hard. He associates the smell of masks with working some horrible scenes. It puts him back into a bad mindset. So I can somewhat understand how difficult it can be to manage being triggered.

I have asked him whether he can have any time at work mask free even if it's only in the loo. Not sure yet what his work said, we've been busy with the fire outbreak.

I hope you can find a way to reduce your panic!

Take care