I had a panicky feeling while I shopped

By Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (157483)

United States

June 10, 2021 7:58pm CST

We went shopping in El Dorado in Wal Mart. We are no longer required to wear masks. They are not counting us and limiting our presence in the store. Almost no one was wearing a mask, and that includes me. I kept feeling strange and looking for my mask and reaching to pull it up. It was so different not to be wearing one. I know others had anxiety and panic attacks when wearing the masks, so I found my reaction to be rather strange.

14 people like this

14 responses

@kaylachan (57359)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

11 Jun 21

You've gotten used to it, as a force of habit. Like many, you didn't want the thing, but you got used to having to wear one. It'll take a while for the brain to realize.

7 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I do not mind it at stores, I think. At work, since I worked almost exclusively with one student I hardly wore one.

2 people like this

@kaylachan (57359)

• Daytona Beach, Florida

11 Jun 21

@GardenGerty I think it still kind of applies if you look at it that way. My husbad nd is just glad he doesn't have to wear one at work. If they are pushing masks in october, when he goes for his anual, he's going to ask for a telehelth appoitment because the mask is dangerous for him. I'm lucky he hasn't landed in the ER as a result.

1 person likes this

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (57717)

• Centralia, Washington

11 Jun 21

I keep worrying about catching colds etc. so I wore my mask when I bought groceries today. Some folks were not wearing masks.

5 people like this

@spiderdust (14741)

• San Jose, California

11 Jun 21

Yeah, I did not mind avoiding colds and flu this past winter!

5 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

@spiderdust I tend not to get colds often but if I do they are a doozy. I put lavender essential oil on my mask daily and I think it helped.

3 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I may remember to take one when I go in the stores.

2 people like this

@jstory07 (134267)

• Roseburg, Oregon

11 Jun 21

I am glad we no longer have to wear masks either. In fact next week we are going to the beach.

4 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I think I may still wear one some places.

2 people like this

@wolfgirl569 (94744)

• Marion, Ohio

11 Jun 21

You got used to it.

5 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

Yes, I did. And it seemed kind of busy in there.

2 people like this

@rakski (112925)

• Philippines

11 Jun 21

it became a habit now and probably the anxiety that if we do not wear it, we still will get covid

5 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I really have not been afraid of catching the virus, but it has been nice to be healthier all around.

3 people like this

@rakski (112925)

• Philippines

12 Jun 21

@GardenGerty true, to be healthy should always be on top priority

@spiderdust (14741)

• San Jose, California

11 Jun 21

I'm wondering if I'm going to be that way when the mask mandate is lifted (which may be next Tuesday!) around here. I suspect I'll still be wearing mine at work for a while since I prepare other people's food, and it just seems like a good idea for a little longer.

4 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I probably should wear one when mowing, due to the dust factor.

3 people like this

@spiderdust (14741)

• San Jose, California

11 Jun 21

@GardenGerty That's a good idea too!

1 person likes this

@popciclecold (35022)

• United States

11 Jun 21

After having to wear on for nearly a year, it feels like something is missing..

3 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

Yes, it really felt that way.

1 person likes this

@BarBaraPrz (45434)

• St. Catharines, Ontario

11 Jun 21

Being in Walmart is anxiety-inducing anyway.

3 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

yes, it often is.

2 people like this

@divalounger (5849)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I found out this year that my asthma is so much better when I wear a mask--I may just keep it--

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

There are advantages to the mask and people should be free to wear them if they choose to.

Lenore Plassman

@sallypup (57717)

• Centralia, Washington

11 Jun 21

@GardenGerty The herd mentality is strong. Nobody wants to look 'weird.' I agree with you all the way.

@marlina (154166)

• Canada

11 Jun 21

It will take a bit of time to get used to not wear a mask

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I may still plan on wearing one in stores.

@LadyDuck (457340)

• Switzerland

11 Jun 21

We still have to wear masks, I am fine wearing one, I feel safer.

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

I think I would, too.

1 person likes this

@Fleura (29096)

• United Kingdom

11 Jun 21

It's funny what you get used to!

2 people like this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

It has become a part of me.

1 person likes this

@Shiva49 (26189)

• Singapore

11 Jun 21

Been wearing one for over a year and still do. Not easy later when things are back to normal. The reflex action will be there for a while.

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

Yes, we are just getting to open up some. I may continue wearing one when I shop, it was so busy in there. My cashier had one on.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jun 21

All about a routine I believe.

1 person likes this

@GardenGerty (157483)

• United States

11 Jun 21

Yes, routine. And security a bit. It seemed as if there was an entire fleet of electric scooters running around and lots of kids and no empty aisles. I need to pick a less busy time.

1 person likes this

@CarolDM (203454)

• Nashville, Tennessee

11 Jun 21

@GardenGerty I had to pick up Brendel's collar and was in and out quickly.