Coronavirus: What you need to know about No-Mask anxiety, as some Indian states lift all COVID restrictions, make face masks optional

Some Indian states including Maharashtra and Delhi have lifted all COVID-19 restrictions, including the use of masks. While wearing masks is still advised, it is not compulsory anymore.

With the decrease in the number of coronavirus cases in the United States, earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had also revised its COVID guidelines and relaxed its mask mandates, allowing 70% of Americans to go maskless both indoors and outdoors

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But while such relaxations indicate the start of a post-pandemic era, having lived over two years with a highly contagious and unpredictable SARs-CoV-2 virus, some people may feel a lot of anxiety due to the no-mask situation.

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According to the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of the American population are worried about returning back to normal. More than two years of living under the grasp of the pandemic, staying home, social distancing and of course, using face masks as a shield against viruses, we cannot help but feel a bit uncomfortable with the changing circumstances, which is why experts believe no-mask anxiety is very natural.

Therefore, no-mask anxiety is a condition that is associated with the discomfort of going mask-less, especially amid the ongoing pandemic. Although cases have dipped in the recent past, the pandemic is not yet over.

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While choosing to do away with masks is something that the younger population can opt for, those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications fear being left at a vulnerable spot, Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind told Healthline.

“Without the law on their side, it puts them in a situation where they don’t have any power to take a stance. Their choice is either to wear a mask and be uneasy or to stay home and miss things that might be essential for their livelihood, their health, or their children’s needs and well-being,” she said. She further adds that until COVID cases drop significantly, immunocompromised people will face a great sense of anxiety.

Both children and parents may also feel greater anxiety since the majority of the children's population are yet to be vaccinated. This puts them at a tough spot.

Social anxiety is also a form of anxiety that could be triggered due to the no-mask mandates. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of being watched and judged by people. That said, socially anxious people usually find it challenging to conform to social norms.

As we tread out of the pandemic, experts believe the anxiety levels may increase, since one may feel uncomfortable interacting with people with no masks on or might feel self-conscious due to the same.

According to David A. Moscovitch, professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo, it may become difficult for people to reveal themselves "again to other people at a close distance and without masks."

“People with social anxiety will likely experience renewed fear and anxiety about behaving awkwardly or inappropriately (e.g., ‘should I be wearing my mask here?’ ‘Is it ok to have a close conversation?’) and being judged negatively by others,” Moscovitch adds.

First and foremost it is important to identify and understand anxiety.

Anxiety is when a person is fearful of something, leading to restlessness and uneasiness. It leads to physical symptoms such as sweating, heart palpitations and dizziness. Once you feel that you're experiencing bouts of anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor about the same.

Make sure you take your time to settle in with the new norms. Do not rush and keep your calm. Dr. Eric Berko of MetroHealth Medical Center told Cleveland’s Fox 8 News, “You can pick a safe place with safe people, and just gradually go from there." “Keep a mask in your pocket. It’s OK if you feel uncomfortable, just put it on. There’s no harm or shame in any of that. Gradually get yourself out there, and I think you’ll start to feel better and better," he adds.

It is important that you feel confident from within. Those who have trouble dealing with the new COVID rules must get themselves vaccinated and boosted, so you have a sense of reassurance. While breakthrough infections are still prevalent, it can cut down the risk of severe COVID infection to a great extent.