[THREAD] My experience as a frontline worker with multiple mental illnesses during the COVID-19 precautions. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #COVID #Mentalhealth

I can’t wear a mask over my nose and mouth 24/7 because of mental illnesses that literally cripple me. So, I stay 6ft away from people. Then, they choose to enter my personal space (which I hate under normal circumstances) at their own risk and insult me for not wearing a mask.

The situation in question then triggers other mental illnesses. Especially when I don’t respond to their insults and attempt to remain kind and continue with my day or task.

I am so sorry that I don’t want to dive into my medical history and let you know exactly what is going on inside of my head just because you didn’t think to wash your hands and stay away from me in the first place, Greg.

I wear a mask in stores like I’m required to (you’ll often see me pull away from people, tear my mask off, calm down, and prepare to keep going) while inside. On walks, I go out of my way to stay away from people. At work, I do everything in my power to have no patient contact.

I am asymptomatic. I wash my hands and hand sanitize often to prevent the spread of germs (which is the best way to stop it, by the way). If I absolutely have to see a patient, I wear the mask and do my absolute best to focus on the task at hand and their safety as priority.

I haven’t touched a patient in 3 months. I don’t exchange paperwork with patients and if I have to, I instruct them to wash their hands and items. I remain behind the glass of the check-in window for a barrier. I oversanitize anything that an outsider will have to handle.

If I’m with friends, it’s exclusively friends who have also been positively exposed already and don’t live with any elderly or vulnerable family members. I rarely leave my room and haven’t been within 6 feet of my roommates in 3 months.

My point is, shut up if you see someone without a mask. Did they cough on you? Did they lick you? Did they get up in your space? No? Then wear your mask, stay away from people, wash your hands. Worry about yourself. You have absolutely no idea what that person is going through.

And if you really can’t control yourself or you’re required to say something because of your job...ask me GENUINELY why I don’t wear a mask all the time. And take my answer, “I have a mental illness that prevents it,” and walk away. I don’t owe you further explanation.

Me not wearing a mask is not me making a political statement or doubting the severity of the virus. I’ve seen the devastation it can cause. It can be terrifying. It can strike anyone for no reason. I’m fully aware of the damage it can do. I. Have. Watched. It.

Don’t just automatically make fun of me or anyone else not wearing a mask and insult me or my intelligence because you think you know the whole story with one look. Most of the insults I take are from those who consider themselves “woke.” Well, please learn about this. Thanks.