Fear of going out

I love going to the thrift stores like Goodwill. But my biggest problem is that I'm clostrobic and the mask don't help. My hands and feet hurt and I get winded so fast I have to use my wheelchair when I go out. I'm seeing someone and I had hoped to go to the Kingdom Hall with him. But there's another closed in space.

I am a bit cautious, but try to do things I enjoy most. For going to Goodwill, is it possible to go to during their slowest times-you could ask what they are. If an aisle is crowded, go to a quiet aisle until people move on. Keep a mask in pocket for checkout lines or if someone gets close. That minimizes time masked. I loosely try for 6'. That's how I manage shopping though if I have to go when it's crowded, I mask. It's quiet pretty often though.

For Kingdom Hall, could you sit in back? Maybe speak with leader/minister about concern? I hope you find solution.

Do you think my being claustrophobic could have something to having issues with wearing the mask

I think it does as it’s kind of the same feeling. I tried snorkeling a number of years ago but trying to breath with a mask and snorkel made me feel claustrophobic. I think it’s fairly common. Try the insert to keep the mask off your mouth along with slow controlled mindful breathing. There are always some risks but like Sue said, you need to live your life and have quality of life. Getting out and seeing friends is good for your mental health so pushing through the obstacles can be a good thing.

Some churches have speakers in other rooms where those with health problems such as we, you, have can sit in those rooms to hear what is being said. I have done that myself and enjoyed the privacy and just being there to know I am out and about. You mentioned a friend ......and they might like that idea of privacy also.?????
Barbara

Unfortunately Walmart no longer has the inserts for the mask and I'm not sure where to get them.

If you do a search for face mask bracket hopefully you can find some options. I see that Amazon does carry them so that could be worth a try.

You still have to live your life. Dont isolate yourself. Hand sanitize and don’t touch everything will mitigate the chance of catching something.

I had this custom fabric mask made. Conversation starter, I guess; I am not masking against covid specifically, but against everything including “mild” colds. The synthetic fabric is not as effective a barrier as a KN 95, even with the filter inserts it came with. So I am waiting until the weather cools and will then use it as a “skin” over my regular masks.

I feel.the same way, afraid to go out but not for Lung or flu or chicken. Monkey pox or MRSA but it's scabies. It's so 😫 sickening in florida.
They are everywhere here in Dr offices and ppl itching like a dog with flea. And now they are in stores on clothing I had that happen touching clothes. So yes its a huge problem!!
They are very hard to get rid of and nope, I don't eat out anymore or go to movies, hotels. Motels planes Uber rides or any public chair and stand in Dr offices. Wont sit there especially there!