The face mask has become an integral part of our daily lives. Used mainly as a tool to fight against Covid, it has inadvertently served a second purpose: to mask, literally, emotions and protect wearers from the gaze of others – a quality that many who suffer from anxiety disorders would understand.

Around 7% of adults in the United States are affected by this social phobia that is “characterised by extreme fear or anxiety in one or more social settings”, as described by Mental Health America.

Women are more affected than men.

‘A sense of freedom’

“With temperatures on the rise, it’s not pleasant to wear a mask, yet it’s essential for me,” says Caroline, a lawyer. The accessory is a “must-have” in her wardrobe and handbag.

“It allows me not to think about my appearance. If I want to sulk, no one will see it. I no longer have that social pressure to smile all the time. It’s a feeling of freedom.”

It’s a similar story for 29-year-old Marie, who views it as protection against street harassment. “Since I’ve been wearing the mask, I’m approached much less,” she says.

Researchers, however, are warning about the use of face masks as a crutch in the long-term by anxious individuals.

Scientists from the University of Waterloo in Canada claim the mask can be a hindrance when it comes to expressing oneself and could lead to the fear of being misunderstood.

Moreover, it reduces accuracy when it comes to reading emotions, at the risk of prompting negative interpretations.

They warn about social disorders appearing in certain individuals when pandemic restrictions are loosened.

Psychologist Susan Albers advises people with social anxiety to detach themselves from the mask little by little.

“Now is the time to start working on your anxiety,” she advises. “Only wear your mask when it’s really necessary.”