How Masking with ADHD Impacts Your Life

Masking is a coping mechanism used by many individuals struggling with neurodiversity. Also known as “impression management” or “camouflaging”, it is used as a way to “fit in” and appear neurotypical around others or as a way of controlling something that typically feels out of control. 

Controlling ADHD symptoms can be challenging, but if practiced regularly, it can be surprising to others that you have ADHD at all. In certain situations, masking can have its benefits, but if not kept in check and understood, it can have a serious impact on your mental health.

Let’s explore further the different types of masking and how they can impact your life.

Why Individuals with ADHD Mask.

As mentioned briefly, those with ADHD tend to mask to hide parts of themselves they feel are unlike others, therefore making them feel they won’t fit in. In its essence, it is a fear of social rejection and judgement from others. An individual could mask to fit in with friend groups at school or feel more accepted in a new job. Hiding parts of yourself you feel are not acceptable can help you progress in your career, making you feel more likeable or well-equipped in your role.

Masking can look different depending on age and gender. Typically, males present with hyperactivity and impulsivity, which could mean they struggle to pay attention to conversation and remember important information due to trying to mask physical movement. Children and adolescents could suffer through education, not being able to pay attention and retain information by constantly trying to mask their symptoms.

The downside to masking, however, is that it is exhausting and something that can only be upheld for so long. This could eventually undo the work you originally set out to do by masking in the first place not to mention that a prolonged lack of self-awareness can lead to a delayed recognition of burnout.

Examples of Masking.

Masking can show up in many different forms in various situations, including:

• Hiding hyperactivity with calmness and stillness on the outside, when your brain may have trouble focusing and jumping from one thought to another too quickly to process what is being said.

• Writing excessive lists continuously so that you won’t forget them later because of issues with memory related to ADHD.

• Reacting to something in a way you think you are supposed to react, i.e. neurotypical, rather than reacting to how you feel inside.

• Being too careful about what you say around others and remaining too quiet to avoid talking too much, interrupting, or saying the wrong thing.

• Trying to cope with varying aspects of everyday life by developing perfectionist tendencies.

• Mimicking or copying other people in social situations to feel accepted. 

• Being aware of fidgeting or stimming and trying to suppress the behaviour.

• People pleasing - saying yes to everything to appear normal or fit in. 

Various Types of ADHD Masks and How They Impact Everyday Life.

There are many types of masks that those with ADHD use in the various situations mentioned above.

The Hyperfocus Mask

Hyperfocusing can be a positive when it comes to work or study and can lead to impressive achievements. It can also be used to concentrate on specific tasks or compensate for difficulties in sustaining attention. 

On the flip side, hyperfocusing can leave us behind when it comes to other important parts of life, such as our own mental and physical health and comes at the cost of neglecting other important aspects of life.

The Social Mask

Social masks tend to be developed to “fit in” socially and appear to be adhering to social norms, even if it goes against natural inclinations. 

Individuals may work hard to suppress impulsive behaviours, maintain eye contact, etc. 

While practising these social masks may feel like a step toward feeling accepted, in the long term, keeping up this mask may lead to feelings of unworthiness as our true selves and depression.

The Organisation and Structure Mask

Meticulously organising surroundings and adhering to strict routines is another mask used to compensate for ADHD symptoms. Whilst it can provide an element of control it can be difficult to sustain and can also quickly lead to feelings of overwhelm and burnout. 

To mask requires a considerable amount of cognitive and emotional energy. Individuals with ADHD often find themselves constantly monitoring and adjusting their behaviour, leading to exhaustion and mental strain. Constantly masking your true self can also distort your self-perception, which can cause those with ADHD to struggle to understand their authentic identity as they become accustomed to presenting a façade that aligns with societal expectations. 

How to Break the Cycle.

It’s important to understand masking, and why you do it before trying to break the cycle, if not, then it could have some detrimental effects on your mental health. Creating a safe environment where you feel secure in expressing your authentic self without fear of judgement is crucial to begin, as well as open communication to express challenges, needs, and preferences. 

Education and awareness around ADHD are also important to create a more supportive community and dispel myths and misconceptions. Lastly, utilising tailored support and accommodations in schools and the workplace. 

This can help those with ADHD thrive without the need for masking and may include alternative learning strategies, flexible working, and assistive technologies.

Understand Yourself and Your ADHD with a Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester.

Masking can be a proactive short-term solution for feelings of inadequacy, what is needed, however, is a greater understanding of ADHD for individuals with the condition and as a collective as well as education to enable more acceptance of the condition.

Here at Beyond, we can help you fully understand your ADHD, how it affects you, and why you may mask your symptoms. We are a private ADHD clinic in Manchester that is qualified in ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Protecting your mental health whilst also feeling you can be your wonderful, true, authentic self is of the utmost importance to us, as I'm sure it is to you, and we want to help with that.

So, contact Beyond to arrange your ADHD assessment today.