I am not very good with face masks. I know I can breathe with one on so that's not the problem. The problem is as soon as I put one on I feel physically sick like I am going to throw up. I'm not sure if it is physical or psychological but I don't seem to have any control over it. The only ones I can wear comfortably are the disposable ones but even they make me heave after a while. I don't want to be exempt as that would mean putting myself and others at risk. It has got to the point where I am not wanting to go out unless absolutely necessary. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks for reading.
The big plastic face shields, while not AS effective at protecting others, are perfectly acceptable in most places.
Face shield:
Cute cosplay mask:
If you really genuinely have sensory issues, though, and if they are not going to go away, then the shield might be the best bet.
A good way to combine methods would be to wear only the shield when outside, but add the face mask when you are in a crowded place indoors. If you notice it's a busy day at the grocery store, just discretely pull out the mask, and add that under the shield. If you've picked a less than seriously busy time, then make do with the shield. It might not be as good as always having a mask on, but it's better than being a shut-in.
Oh, and as far as wanting to throw up, I suggest checking to make sure you don't have anything unusually nasty growing in your mouth. If you have any weird gum color or itching along the gum-line or bleeding after brushing, then it's time to see a dentist or periodontist.
One of my biggest barriers to embracing social distancing was that I would not be caught dead going anywhere looking like I am about to give someone surgery in an operating room, since I have actually cared for somebody with terminal cancer before and do not have those weird green masks as part of my favorite memories, but when I noticed how many different styles of protective gear there really were, it clicked in my head, "EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN! YAY!"
A fun way to get yourself accustomed to the idea of wearing a face mask would be to get one of those cute cosplay masks, and wear one while getting knotted. Hey, we're zoos, so why not?
For me, it was just an emotional rejection to the idea of not having a face, so I bought a few faces.
Just because I give a shit doesn't mean I have to be normal.
