What is Masking in ADHD?

You may have heard the term masking and wondered what it is and if it possibly applies to you. Masking is prevalent among those with neurotypical disorders and is a type of coping mechanism used to deal with your less neurotypical traits, to try and appear more neurotypical to others, as a way of fitting in.

It is also known as “camouflaging” and “impression management” and involves copying the behaviours of those without ADHD to avoid stigma and feel more accepted. It can involve hiding hyperactivity with calmness and masking distraction and impulsivity with over or hyper-focus on a certain topic or person. 

Masking in its Various Forms

In a way, masking is a form of control over something that typically feels out of control. Controlling ADHD symptoms can be extremely difficult but if practiced regularly, it can be surprising to others that you have ADHD at all. This means that masking, if done under control can be a positive aspect of ADHD but if not kept in check, can result in bad mental health, and overwhelm.

Below are a few examples of the types of masks that people with ADHD typically show: 

The Hyperfocus Mask

Individuals may hyperfocus on specific tasks or activities to compensate for their difficulties in sustaining attention. While this can lead to impressive achievements, it often comes at the cost of neglecting other important aspects of life. Some may not see hyperfocus as a type of mask, and while it is a positive trait, or superpower, when it comes to getting tasks completed, it can leave us behind when it comes to other important parts of life such as your own mental and physical health.

The Social Mask

Many individuals with ADHD develop a social mask to fit in with peers and colleagues. They may work hard to suppress impulsive behaviours, maintain eye contact, and adhere to social norms, even if it goes against their natural inclinations. While practising these social masks may in the short term feel like a step toward feeling accepted, in the long term, keeping up this mask may lead to feelings of depression.

The Organisation and Structure Mask

Some individuals may overcompensate by meticulously organising their surroundings and adhering to strict routines, which can help to manage ADHD-related challenges. The difficulty with this strict routine is it is hard to keep up and sustain in all aspects of life. Whilst it can provide some element of control, it can also quickly lead to feelings of overwhelm and eventually lead to burnout.

Other Examples of Masking-

• 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. neurotypically, 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. 

Impacts of Masking ADHD?

As mentioned previously, masking is a positive short-term solution in making someone with ADHD feel like they “fit in” and appear more like a neurotypical person. For someone young or newly awake to their ADHD traits, masking can be a great way to feel accepted, but it should be done with caution and alongside a therapist or counsellor because if masking is carried on for too long, your sense of self can become blurred, causing ADHD to become more difficult to detect, which in the long run can lead to depression.

Masking also 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. Individuals with ADHD may struggle to understand their authentic identity, as they become accustomed to presenting a façade that aligns with societal expectations. 

How to Cope with Masking and Break the Cycle?

Understanding masking and why you do it is crucial for individuals with ADHD and those around them. Breaking the masking cycle involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their authentic selves without fear of judgement. Some strategies for breaking the masking cycle are: 

• Education and Awareness - increasing awareness about ADHD and its diverse presentations can create a more understanding and supportive community. Education is key to dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding the disorder.

• Open Communication - encouraging open communication allows individuals with ADHD to express their challenges, needs, and preferences. This can foster empathy and understanding among family members, friends, and colleagues.

• Tailored Support and Accommodations - providing tailored support and accommodations in various settings, such as school or the workplace, can help individuals with ADHD thrive without the need for constant masking. This may include flexible work arrangements, alternative learning strategies, or assistive technologies. 

Beyond Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester: Helping You to Understand Your ADHD and Why You Mask

Masking is a great short-term solution for feelings of inadequacy that often come with ADHD, what is needed however, is more of a general understanding of ADHD and why some people appear to interact differently, not labelling it as wrong or strange but just accepting all our unique quirks and differences.

Beyond is a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, qualified in ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. We can help you fully understand your ADHD, how it affects you, and why you may interact the way you do. Your mental health is of the utmost importance to us, as I'm sure it is to you and we want you to understand your ADHD and how it makes you, you. 

So, contact Beyond to arrange your ADHD assessment today.