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What is masking?

Masking is when someone hides or suppresses their neurodivergent traits to blend in and meet what society sees as 'normal' behaviour. It's widely observed in people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or TDAH.

Dr Mikki Lee Elembaby, licensed psychologist, Clarity Therapy, New York City, USA, explains that masking can happen on a conscious or unconscious level. It often involves observing and mimicking neurotypical behaviours.

"Masking is a survival strategy that neurodivergent people often use to navigate a world designed for neurotypical people," says Elembaby. "A major reason for masking in these conditions is fear of judgement, misunderstanding, and exclusion."

She adds that while it is common for neurotypical people to adjust their behaviour to fit social contexts - such as being more formal at work versus when with friends - masking in neurodivergent people takes significantly more effort. It goes beyond social adaptation and involves suppressing their authentic self-expression, often at great psychological cost.

Detecting the signs of masking can be hard, as it's often a deliberate effort to conceal traits the person feels sets them apart from others.

Dr Mosun, Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, West Midlands, UK, says the signs of masking can be subtle and often differ from person to person.

"It may be difficult for people to notice these signs," explains the consultant psychiatrist for Cassioburt Court, Watford. "However, healthcare providers and loved ones are more likely to recognise a mismatch between their external behaviour and how they truly feel."

Although masking may offer temporary benefits in social situations, it can have harmful long-term effects on your mental health.

Mosun explains that, in the short term, masking can provide a sense of acceptance or relief from social pressure. However, this can cause increased stress and feelings of isolation, potentially contributing to ansiedad y depresión.

"This can lead to physical impacts - such as exhaustion, regular feelings of nausea and sleeping issues," she says. "Over time, this can develop long-lasting mental health struggles and an ongoing battle with identity, leading to a drop in self-esteem and difficulty forming authentic connections with people."

There are practical steps you can take to reduce your reliance on masking, enhance your emotional wellbeing, and cultivate a more accepting outlook towards your true self.

Therapeutic approaches

Terapia cognitivo-conductual (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) foster self-awareness and can help you better understand and embrace your neurodivergent traits.

Mosun explains that these approaches create safe spaces for you to express your authenticity, and challenge negative beliefs about your neurodivergence without fear of judgement.

Elembaby adds: "One strategy is journaling about moments when you feel the most authentic versus when you feel you are masking. Another therapeutic method is reframing negative self-talk from thoughts such as 'I’m weird' to 'I have unique strengths'.

"An additional self-acceptance strategy is encouraging self-affirmation and recognising masking behaviours without shame".

Join a support network

Linking up with a support group of fellow neurodivergent people can provide a safe space to learn from one another, and provide mutual support for a sense of community and understanding.

"This can help you connect with others who share similar experiences, and can foster authenticity," says Elembaby.

Encourage supportive environments

Environments that are accommodating and foster a genuine understanding of neurodivergent experiences can significantly reduce the pressure to mask.

She adds that therapists and educators should be aware of the signs of masking and avoid reinforcing it by expecting neurotypical behaviour.

Masking can have a huge detrimental effect on your mental health, leading to serious health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Mosun warns that masking can weaken your sense of self and make it harder for you to grow, because it stops you from understanding your own needs, feelings, and desires.

She concludes: "Ultimately, reducing masking and fostering environments that allow for authenticity can have a profound positive impact on your mental health and overall quality of life."