Today I didn't know I needed to wear a mask and nearly made myself have a heart attack. [I Social Anxiety]

We just got out of a three day lockdown and I assumed that we no longer needed to wear masks. I don't watch the news because it makes me feel sad so this one is on me. I was the only one not wearing mask and I felt 100x worse than I usually do. Everyday when I go out I feel like people are looking at me and judging every little thing about me. Today it was a reality and I felt something coming on like an anxiety attack. I felt like a bad person and that I deserved punishment. I will never forget this day, never. The looks on their faces and the gossiping, I'm scarred with that for the rest of my life.

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Vittoria · 61-69, F

I don't know why you thought you didn't need to keep wearing a mask, but you are hugely overreacting. If this is the way you usually respond to life, to minor negative experiences, you really should be in therapy. You have significant mental-health issues. Please seek professional help.

As for masks, just carry one or two with you, in a wallet or purse, wherever you go. That way, should you forget to put on a mask before you leave the house, you'll always have one with you. I've occasionally forgotten, but because I have extras in my bag, I've been able to pull one out and put it on when I've realized I'm maskless.