With a new lockdown and the patrolling of compulsory mask wearing in full effect, It’s not a far stretch to presume there is and will be a lasting impact on our mental health post Covid 2019.
Now I have no doubt some of you reading this are half way through an eye roll and inner narration of ‘here we go again’ speal, but I ask that you hear me out. I give you my word this isn’t another Karen scenario we have all become accustomed to and more than likely witnessed in our own circles and communities. No, this is rather me sharing what I’m seeing and experiencing with my clients and peers across the disability and mental health sector.
Earlier today I was active counselling with a client who was clearly distracted by something more interesting than me. I turned to see what the big deal was and locked eyes with a fellow instructor at the gym [MMA Full Circle] who’s eyes screamed, ‘I feel like shit’. I felt compelled to ask him, “are you ok, you look like you’ve been crying?”. To which the owner of the gym chimed in, “I’m not surprised, he’s been wearing that fucking horrible mask for the last few hours”.
I know that I don’t have to paint a picture of what ‘the mask’ looks like. You are already completely accustomed to the paper fabric type consistency that occasionally likes to sprout particles into your mouth, nose and throat. It’s a cheap mass produced surgical model that is generally designed to be worn for short periods of time – generally during surgery – by medical staff in controlled situations.
Now with my own experience of this trending government accessory we see currently glued to the face of society, I believe the owner of the gym is onto something. The masks are horrible. I am one of those people who continually forgets the existence of his reusable fabric mask, kind of like the reusable bags most of us keep in our boots and then forget before entering the store. I much prefer my camo cloth model over the free surgical type, because to be honest, my experience with this type has not been a pleasant one, restricted breathing isn’t something I like to factor into my day, especially as a trainer.
Back to my colleague with glassy eyes and weariness shadowing his face, It was evident that the current requirements to protect the spread of Covid had come with a not so sweet side effect for this poor fellow. The mask was starting to take its toll.
In addition to this, I will highlight the impact the ‘mask wearing’ requirement has had on our NDIS community. For those who don’t know, I also act as a support worker for a range of clients in addition to active counselling and counselling. Being of service to people with additional needs is a brilliant experience and as the McDonalds campaign states, “I’m lovin it”. Earlier this week I was with a client who has a hearing impairment, as well as implications from a brain injury. This gentleman relies on sign language and lip reading to assist communication. Unfortunately not enough people (guilty) are skilled with the ability to deliver or understand sign language and masks are literally like trying to read a sign on the other side of a brick wall – aka. impossible. Prior to leaving the house, my client expressed his anxiety and with these roadblocks in place, communication moved to a higher than normal frequency. Fortunately, most of the people we encountered that day were happy to adjust or remove their mask (behind a clear screen) to help communicate with him. One lady at Centrelink Corrimal was particularly accommodating and helpful. This gave my client a sense of ease, as his introduction to the Centrelink service resembled more of a frustrating shouting match at the front counter.
As expected though, once we left that environment the anxiety returned. We then began to wander through the local shopping centre when my client’s breathing began to increase, along with his agitation. The look of terror shot our way from passing traffic as he chose to temporarily remove his mask to assist with his breathing. Once again, it was evident that the (free) medical mask can restrict breathing for some users. I can speak as a seasonal asthmatic who was also forced to wear ‘the mask’ for a grueling 60 minute table tennis session with a mental health ward client, it was exhausting on so many levels.
These are just two examples, but I believe both are highly relevant.
Please take a moment to put yourself in the place of someone who actually has chronic or severe anxiety, or disability issues. Think of the impact wearing these masks has on their day to day experience of life. The lack of social empathy and understanding is prevalent, and the looks of contempt amongst the flock is disheartening. So much so, I honestly believe from my observations and experiences the mental health of millions is taking an incidental hammering. What we are seeing is a trauma that has and will extend well beyond 2019. Across Australia, there aren’t enough services available or on offer via the government or Medicare – But, that’s a blog for another day.
Should you find yourself in circumstances that raise some concerns for you or you feel like you need help or support please contact me on 0492 851 205 or via the links page here. I will be offering half price online counselling appointments to new clients during lockdown periods.
Please also check out these links from Mind.
Why wearing masks can cause difficult feelings – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/mask-anxiety-face-coverings-and-mental-health/#WhyMasksCanCauseDifficultFeelings
Anxiety – Tips for coping with masks and face coverings – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/mask-anxiety-face-coverings-and-mental-health/#TipsForCopingWithMasksAndFaceCoverings
So remember kids, be safe, wear a mask, but don’t be complacent. Just because you’ve had the vaccine, doesn’t mean you can’t catch or spread the virus.
Joel A Rogers
activecounsellingbyheartwork@yahoo.com
0492 851 205
HEARTWORK 