I've now lost count of how many people I've seen online saying 'I'm just gonna say I have anxiety' in discussions about the mandatory mask wearing that begins tomorrow.
Let me tell you what anxiety has done to me.
-1
#showmeyourmask

Because of anxiety I couldn't look at a form or document for nearly 3 years. I had to resign from my job, couldn't sign my own child into play centres, I had panic attacks at the thought of having to use a cash machine. I've lost friends, lost money, I've lost memories.

-2

Anxiety is debilitating.
Not a word you can say because you find masks umcomfortable.

Would you use a wheelchair if that's what it took to make you exempt? No! So don't undermine the struggle of those who truly suffer anxiety by using their challenge as your excuse.

-3

Nobody likes to wear a mask and I'd hazard a guess that everyone feels hot and breathless with one on. I had an anxiety attack the first time I wore one and had to slowly build up the amount of time I could stand it.

Some have never had to live with discomfort and it shows

4

Due to facemasks I'm now struggling with a mast cell reaction. Trust me it freakin' hurts and I'll still not going to use my exemption because I CAN manage and because truly anxious people will do whatever they can to be able to wear a mask. We don't want to be different
-5

Some people CANNOT wear a mask and wish they could.
Please, if you're able to wear one, don't undermine the struggle of those people by pretending you can't

If you need to make one you just need a little cotton fabric and a £1 sewing kit

#showmeyourmask https://www.marvellousmrsp.com/how-to-make-face-masks-without-a-sewing-machine/

So I've had three people now share the picture of my mast cell reaction to mock me or promote their mask avoiding.
After calling them out on mocking a post about MH and disability I'm now blocked