COVID-19 and how the wearing of face coverings can affect those with an experience of trauma

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: With the ongoing and possible evolving use of face coverings as a public health protection measure against the transmission of COVID-19, this is likely to be an ongoing challenge for those who find their use challenging. The wearing of face coverings following trauma is likely to be of ongoing relevance, making this an area that would benefit from further research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The authors present their personal and professional experiences as a means of highlighting the difficulties that can be faced as a result of the use of face coverings. The window of tolerance helps to understand the difficulties that can be caused by wearing face coverings and provides a visual means of conceptualizing the cognitive, behavioural, physiological and emotional reactions that can occur as a result of their use. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This paper provides an awareness of the link between trauma and the wearing of face coverings, and how their use could be re-traumatizing for those accessing services. This topic is relevant across all sectors where it is only just beginning to be acknowledged that for many, particularly those with experiences of interpersonal trauma, difficulties can arise due to the use of face coverings. The sharing of grounding techniques and an introduction to the window of tolerance provides a means of collaboratively developing skills and developing a shared understanding of the difficulties associated with the use of face coverings.Copyright © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.