I am diagnosed with severe OCD as well as an anxiety disorder. I have always found the sensation of hampered breathing to be extremely distressing and panic-inducing. Similarly, I have issues with the sensation of something near my neck. Whether it's a scarf, high-necked shirt, or a mask that sits too low, it will sometimes trigger my gag reflex and, in the past, I've actually vomited as a result of this sensation. I understand that mask-wearing is easy for many people. Also, I still always wear my mask! If I ever feel ill from my mask in public, I quickly head to the bathroom or go outside so I can remove it and get some relief. I understand why masks are important and I insist on wearing one to protect others.
However, I hate when people say "it's literally so easy" or "we'll be wearing masks forever, get used to it", and similar phrases. Mask-wearing is difficult for me to due to my OCD, not because I'm purposefully being difficult! It's not easy for everyone! I would be so screwed if I was not working from time home and had to wear a mask all day: I honestly don't think I'd be able to manage.
Can anyone else relate?
Individualist dogma has made it impossible to ask Americans to inconvenience themselves for the sake of others, so the only other rhetorical option is just trying to shame them by telling them how easy it is.
Physically, everyone should be able to wear a mask. People have made excuses like "I have asthma" or "I don't get enough oxygen" but the real reason is that they feel a bit uncomfortable and don't like wearing masks. Then there are people who have gotten brainworms and don't want to wear masks because then the terrorists win.
You are of course neither of those people, it's hard for you and yet you still try. Most anti-mask people don't even try or are ideologically against mask wearing at all, the message of "mask wearing is super easy" is directed at those people. I don't think you have to listen to that message, but, you are caught in the crossfire.
I also want to point out the evidence-free doomerism of "we'll all be wearing masks forever, get used to it!" is both not remotely backed up by science and only serves to alienate neurodiverse comrades for internet points. It's QAnon level logic that harms people's mental health, disporoportionaly neurodiverse folks.
I can definitely relate, masks with ear straps are okay for me but ones with bands that go around the back of my head make me super uncomfortable. I have reusable p100 half-face respirator from painting and that is actually a lot more comfortable for me than normal masks, the main attachment point is at the crown of my head which is a lot less annoying for me (even though there is a strap on the back of the neck too). I just loosely cover the exit hole with some fabric when I'm using it out and about. It might be worth checking into other styles of masks that might be less distressing for you than a standard cloth or paper mask, it's been a big help for me.
