( * Yes, we understand masks are hot and uneasy and, under various situations, many people– with possibly the exception of bank robbers– would pick not to use one. But in this example, its someone who understands the advantages of a face mask and wishes to do their part.).
” While some individuals with mask stress and anxiety might experience only psychological symptoms, others may have signs such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest tightness, sweats and lightheadedness,” Barnett explains in the post. If youve never felt these sensations before, you may not realize that youre experiencing signs related to anxiety. He has some ideas for assisting you manage if you fall into this classification.
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When I initially came across this post from the Cleveland Clinic about mask stress and anxiety, I believed it had something to do with stress and anxiety caused by other people declining to use masks. And while that is definitely something many of us have been struggling with over the previous a number of months, the post is referring to another type of mask-related stress and anxiety– anxiety over wearing masks.” While some people with mask stress and anxiety might experience just mental manifestations, others may have signs such as quick heart rate, shortness of breath, chest tightness, sweats and dizziness,” Barnett explains in the post. If youre unpleasant with the sensation of using a face mask, Barnett recommends attempting to use one at home, so at least youll be in a safe, familiar and comfortable place as you get utilized to having it on your face. If youre nervous about whether the circulation of oxygen to your lungs is being decreased since of the mask, he suggests reminding yourself that medical specialists have been wearing masks regularly for more than 100 years without dealing with that side result.
What is mask stress and anxiety?
Face masks have actually been among the most polarizing and noticeable elements of the pandemic. It wasnt long ago when it would have been difficult to believe that something created to keep other individuals (and yourself) safe would become such a political hot button, but here we are.
Except not all people who have difficulty with face masks are encouraged by political factors. Some individuals may truly want * to use a mask (for public health and self-protective purposes), but arent able to bring themselves to do so, because even the idea of it can trigger stress or panic. This is specifically a concern for people with existing anxiety conditions and/or claustrophobia, according to Dr. Brian Barnett, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic.
Barnetts next thought-challenging suggestion is to advise yourself “that contracting COVID-19 while not using a mask is even more dangerous to your health than sensation uneasy while wearing one is.” As an individual with anxiety, Im uncertain how I feel about replacing one stress factor with another (you can be distressed about using a mask and contracting COVID at the same time), however thats not to say that this will not work for some individuals.
I can, however, connect to Barnetts last suggestion: Think about using a face mask as one of the few things you can do to feel in control during a time when whatever is unsure. It may not make your mask anxiety disappear, but if youre somebody who does not handle the feeling of everything being beyond your control very well, this framing may assist.
Image: goffkein.pro (Shutterstock).
Difficulty your distressed thoughts.
If youve attempted cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) before, then youre probably a minimum of somewhat acquainted with the concept of challenging your negative thoughts. Barnett says that technique might deal with mask stress and anxiety, too. For example, if youre anxious about whether the flow of oxygen to your lungs is being decreased due to the fact that of the mask, he suggests advising yourself that doctor have been wearing masks frequently for more than 100 years without dealing with that negative effects.
Find a mask that works for you.
At this moment, there is no “standard” variation of a recyclable face mask– we have options. Barnett says that shopping for a face mask that works for you can be “empowering.” This makes good sense: lastly discovering a mask that fits and is fairly comfy can make a huge distinction.
When I first discovered this post from the Cleveland Clinic about mask stress and anxiety, I thought it had something to do with stress and anxiety caused by other individuals refusing to use masks. And while that is definitely something a lot of us have actually been fighting with over the previous a number of months, the article is describing another type of mask-related stress and anxiety– stress and anxiety over wearing masks. Heres what you need to understand, in addition to some suggestions to assist you get a manage on this particular stress factor.
Tips for handling mask anxiety.
While Barnett explains that individuals with more severe cases of mask stress and anxiety may wish to look for professional psychological health treatment, there are a few things anyone can attempt on their own.
If you first tried to wear a cloth face mask a few months ago (before they started becoming more widely offered on Etsy, and later, mass-produced), you should understand that there are so many more alternatives out there now. There are breathable fabric masks that might be more comfortable than others, not to point out a selection of colors and styles.
I had a decent quantity of face-mask-wearing experience pre-COVID, and owned numerous that were reasonably comfy. I ordered a couple of from a small shop in LA, and they fit so well that it substantially improved my mask-wearing experience– to the point where in some cases I forget I have one on. The takeaway here is that you might need to essentially look around and try out a few mask fabrics, shapes and styles before discovering one that makes you feel less anxious than others.
Test drive masks at home.
If youre uneasy with the sensation of wearing a face mask, Barnett recommends attempting to use one in the house, so at least youll be in a safe, comfy and familiar place as you get utilized to having it on your face. You dont have to start using it for hours, either. He suggests beginning with little stretches of time and working your way up from there.
