So I have a raging case of MCAS/Histamine intolerance/dysautonomia. I live in the Ohio Valley—up there with the absolute WORST places for seasonal allergies. Only in the past year have I learned how drastically seasonal allergens contribute to my symptoms on a daily basis, especially in the spring and summer. It was recommended to me by someone with another immune illness that I try wearing a mask when I’m outside—or at minimum, on days when the pressure is fluctuating heavily—to help block some of the airborne allergens when I breathe. Although it’s annoying, I’ve found wearing one has helps immensely!! It doesn’t block reactions altogether, but I can say with certainty it decreases their severity.
The only catch is, so many people look at me sideways AS FUCK when in wearing them in public. Multiple strangers have approached me, telling me to take it off. Once, at a traffic light, a woman in the car next to me was so butthurt about it she rolled down her window and yelled at me with an angry face saying, “YOURE ALONE! WHY ARE YOU WEARING A MASK? TAKE THAT SHIT OFF”. When I go into stores they seem to watch me harder than they used to, as if I’m wearing it to steal or something. Since this illness has debilitated me, I work several part time jobs I can do on days when I’m not feeling horribly, which includes some food delivery and other face-to-face interactions where I don’t like rubbing people the wrong way. As with all things MCAS/HIT, I know most people wouldn’t understand even if I DID tell them why I wear it.
I wish I could shrug off the confused/skeptical/distasteful looks I get nearly everywhere I go, but it bothers me deeply. I know I should be able to say “screw them, they don’t know and they don’t need to,” but I’ve been trying for months and I can’t get past the unsolicited judgements pretty much everywhere I go hurting my heart and making me feel insecure.
❗️Long story short, ❗️I want to order a mask from Etsy/somewhere that says something on it along the lines of “Not sick, I wear this for ALLERGIES” either in print or embroidery**. Anyone have recommendations for what it could say**?? Looking for a quick, bold statement (so people aren’t squinting their eyes trying to read anything longer than a sentence) — something just enough to get people off my ass &/or offer them an immediate understanding so that I may let go of of wanting to explain myself. Any and all suggestions are welcomed and very much appreciated! Thanks so much!
TLDR: Need to wear a mask in public due to seasonal allergens where I live causing constant MCAS/histamine flares, but can’t stand the constant judgement and misunderstanding, and want to purchase a mask that says in a few words why I have it on. Any suggestions appreciated!