How to get over fear of masking in public?
I am nervous to post this because it feels so shallow and stupid, but I hope people can be kind and understanding. I know the chronically ill are often the most empathetic.
I hated masking during covid because of how hot and uncomfortable it was, but still did it. The second I felt safe to stop, I did. However, I was just hospitalized due to sepsis, have some continuing lung issues, and am pregnant and immunocompromised. I am also often around sick kids and people who I feel like say “it’s just allergies” or aren’t honest about their sicknesses... so I feel I need to mask in public, but I’m just so scared of judgement. I live in a very conservative state and a lot of people are very anti-vax, anti-mask, etc… Do you have any advice or reassurances for addressing this fears? Or any good statistics for me to be “armed” with?
Also as a funny follow up question: any merchandise (like stickers, enamel pins, etc) to maybe help me feel excited or pride about it?
I know it’s literally mine and my baby’s health on the line, but I already have such bad social anxiety and am just really nervous. TIA
TLDR: please be nice, but how to get over fear of judgement or outside comments while masking?