What If Masks Were Frightening?

I want to share something that has been on my mind for a while.

I have read that anxiety is a chemical reaction triggered by stress hormones. It helps explain my body’s reaction when I see someone wearing a mask…it is almost as if I am face to face with a mountain lion. And when I see or hear the term “mask up,” my body tenses. “Get over it,” people tell me. “Masks are no big deal,” others say. Some assume I am a deranged anti-masker. I want to say, “Sure, just go hug a mountain lion.”

Mental health challenges continue to be misunderstood, don’t you think?

I have recently discussed several excellent books about anxiety and depression. (See the list of book reviews on my site’s drop-down menu.)