ADHD Masking: Are you hiding your symptoms?

Have you ever heard of ADHD masking? It's a phenomenon that many people with ADHD are not even aware of. They go through life trying to fit in and feeling like something is not quite right, but they can't pinpoint what it is.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, many individuals with ADHD learn to cope with their symptoms by developing strategies to mask or compensate for them.

ADHD masking is a truth that needs to be understood. People with ADHD often don't feel safe around those who do not have the disorder. Society's judgment and stigmatization make us feel the need to hide or mask our symptoms. It's not just adults who develop masking; it can start during childhood too. As children, we were often told to stop fidgeting, talking too much, and pay attention. This made us believe that being ourselves was not safe, so we adopted a mask as a survival tool. The misunderstanding of ADHD adds to the need for masking. We can't always be ourselves because we fear being labeled as rude or weird.

ADHD masking can manifest in various situations. Sometimes, we listen intensely to every word someone says to ensure we don't miss any details. We may try to appear calm, masking our hyperactivity, while our minds are racing from one thought to another, unable to focus on the present. In social gatherings, we imitate others' behavior to fit in, suppressing our natural tendencies like leg bouncing or interrupting conversations. It's important to understand that masking is exhausting and comes with more disadvantages than benefits.

One of the risks of masking is that it can delay an ADHD diagnosis. We hide our symptoms so well that we may not even recognize there is a problem. Seeking an official diagnosis from a psychologist is crucial for receiving a proper treatment plan. Another risk is the development of anxiety and depression. Bottling up the stress takes a toll on our mental health, leading to feelings of fear, worry, loneliness, or even anger.

Not being able to live as our genuine selves and express our true feelings is another consequence of masking. We may feel like we are becoming someone entirely different because of the mask we wear.

To unlearn masking, it takes effort but is achievable. Connecting with others who face similar difficulties in masking can be a great starting point. ADHD support groups provide a safe space for open expression. Sharing our symptoms with someone we trust can also help. Though ADHD may be challenging to understand initially, explaining it slowly to a trusted person can lead to better support and a more comfortable environment. Seeking help from a psychologist who specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders can provide guidance and coping strategies.

In summary, masking ADHD may temporarily relieve us from judgment, but it can delay our diagnosis and prevent us from living as our authentic selves around our loved ones. Breaking free from the mask takes time, but by connecting with others, seeking support, and working with a therapist, we can start embracing our true selves. You deserve to be seen for who you truly are.