ADHD masking occurs when an individual conceals their symptoms to fit in or to look normal. Some individuals and women in particular employ high masking strategies of ADHD, making all efforts to remain organized, calm, and focused. This daily strain may cause stress, weariness, and burnout. High masking ADHD usually passes unnoticed, which does not get diagnosed in time, and receives aid.
The first step to change is to identify the signs, such as overworking, mimicking others, or acting when it comes to making mistakes. Learning to live with ADHD masking enables a person to be the one they are, to focus better, and live without the fears of concealing what is going on with them.
What Is Masking ADHD?
Masking ADHD is when an individual attempts to conceal the symptoms of ADHD. They strive to blend with the rest who do not have ADHD. As an example, they may compel themselves to sit during meetings, though it may be extremely hard. They can also mimic the social behaviors of their friends or colleagues in order to look normal. This consumes a lot of mental power.
This hard work can be quite exhausting. An individual who covers their ADHD may appear to be okay, but internally, they feel drained and exhausted. They can become anxious, or they can feel that they are not their own self. It serves as a coping mechanism to cope with everyday life, but it is a very costly strategy at a personal level.
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Symptoms of ADHD Masking
The following are the symptoms of high masking ADHD:
- Making people maintain eye contact during discussions.
- Prepare what you are going to say, and then say it carefully.
- Tele miming the body language or facial expression of people.
- Learning to stop yourself when you feel like interrupting people.
- Hiding your true thoughts in order not to say something wrong.
- Conceal your fidgeting or select methods that are less conspicuous.
Examples of ADHD Masking
The following are examples of high masking ADHD:
- Practicing a phone call in front of the mirror.
- Note down what to say specifically during the meeting.
- Forcing oneself to remain silent when they mean to talk.
- Faking it by listening when your head is in the clouds.
- Always ensure that you are carrying your keys, phone, and wallet.
- Sitting in a room in the back to eliminate distractions.
- Needs to be alone after being in the company of people.
- Outsizing your apologies to control the perception of others.
ADHD Masking in Females
The masking of ADHD when present in women usually takes a different appearance as compared to men. Women and girls can undergo pressure to be social, orderly, and serene. To fulfill such expectations, they can conceal their ADHD symptoms very much. It is possible that they will strive to make everything clean or that they will become perfect at school or on the job. This may complicate their ADHD observers.
Due to this strain, a lot of women living with ADHD attempt to portray a mindset of trying to seem as though they have everything in control. They may appear to be silent or awkward, yet in their hearts, they are struggling to concentrate or be still. This may cause so much stress or anxiety, or a sense of being a fraud. Putting on a mask is very energy-consuming and may postpone an adequate diagnosis and care.
ADHD Masking in Adults
ADHD masking refers to the process of concealing actual symptoms to fit or appear normal. Most humans, particularly women, attempt to appear to be organized, relaxed, or concentrated, although they may be going through a difficult time within themselves. To prevent errors, they imitate the actions of other people or work excessively. This cover-up is usually initiated at a very early stage in life when the girls are taught to be silent and obey the rules. In the long term, it is a tiring process that may result in emotional stress or ADHD masking burnout.
They conceal their problems as they are afraid of being judged or rejected. This is due to the constant struggle of trying to seem all right, so one cannot help but. As the mask is removed, guilt, shame, or sadness would emerge. Dressing ADHD masking sensitizes women to seek support and manage the symptoms more freely.
What Are the 5 C’s of ADHD?
- Consistency: Assists in developing daily habits that bring order and serenity. It leaves a person less stressed and maintains concentration throughout the day.
- Compassion: To be benevolent and tolerant toward oneself. It makes you remember that struggles are natural and mistakes are not part of you.
- Creativity: Recommends the use of new techniques to remain focused or complete tasks. It makes the process of learning and problem-solving amusing.
- Collaboration: This refers to the act of seeking the help of other people, such as family members, friends, or counselors. It assists in sharing the burden rather than struggling on her own.
- Celebration: Emphasis is on minor progress and wins. It makes one feel confident and gives one the motivation to continue moving forward.
ADHD Masking Vs Autism Masking
| ADHD Masking | Autism Masking |
| Hiding inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity to appear “normal.” | Hiding social difficulties, stimming, or sensory sensitivities to fit in. |
| Often used by women to seem organized, calm, or focused. | Often used by autistic individuals to appear socially typical. |
| It can cause stress, exhaustion, and burnout over time. | It can lead to anxiety, depression, and identity struggles. |
| Involves mimicking others’ behaviors and overcompensating in tasks. | Involves imitating social cues, facial expressions, or speech patterns. |
| Often, unnoticed, delaying ADHD diagnosis and support. | Often unnoticed, delaying autism diagnosis and support. |
How to Stop Masking ADHD?
1. Recognize the Masking
When you conceal yourself to impress other people or appear normal, acting with ADHD may be exhausting and an emotional burden. Attempt to tell when you are pretending to be more focused, calmer, or more organized than you are. Awareness makes you know your actual needs and patterns.
2. Accept Your ADHD
Acceptance of ADHD involves the realization that your brain is different, not bad. It teaches you to see good things rather than just bad things. The concept of self-acceptance eliminates shame and provides room to grow. Also, ADHD is not a personality defect; it is an extension of you. Tolerance is the reason to live an honest and peaceful life.
3. Talk About Your Struggles
Discussing your ideas with close individuals may be a calming and helpful experience. You do not need to struggle with masking in ADHD and keep the problems secret. Speaking makes people experience what a person actually feels inside. Being truthful is a way of avoiding loneliness and making life easier. People can help you better when they understand.
4. Set Realistic Goals
Do not strain to achieve unrealistic goals. Aim at small, achievable objectives. This maintains the stress at a low level and the motivation at a constant level. Each step matters, and it should be given credit. Realistic goals also help you to avoid comparing yourself to others and get back on track.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
When things go wrong, treat people kindly. ADHD may make one forget, distract, or slow down- it is all good. Instead of criticizing yourself, tell yourself that you are doing your best. Self-companion creates emotional power and tranquility. Once you are kind to yourself, you will have more chances of abandoning the masking and begin healing.
Tips To Unmask Your ADHD
- Be aware of not concealing your actual thoughts or behavior to fit in.
- Come to terms with the fact that you have ADHD, and it is not your fault.
- Be honest with close individuals regarding your problems and emotions.
- Have small and attainable targets rather than being perfect.
- Take frequent rest and relax your mind to overcome stress.
- Work on what you are good at rather than imitating others.
- Manage daily tasks with the help of planners, reminders, or apps.
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Treatment of Masking ADHD
Therapy makes you speak freely and understand how to cope more effectively. Some medications can enhance concentration and decrease the masking. Family, friends, or group support makes it strong to remain authentic. You can masking with ADHD and be yourself with the correct assistance.
1. ADHD Masking Test
An ADHD masking test is an evaluation that assists in determining the frequency of concealing or covering your ADHD symptoms. It examines your thoughts, feelings, and routines to identify masking patterns. The test is an indicator of the influence of masking on your stress and level of attention.
2. ADHD Masking Diagnosis
Diagnosis occurs as a result of an elaborate assessment by a mental health expert. The giver poses questions regarding your behavior, history, and your ways of coping. Knowledge of masking assists physicians in observing actual symptoms that otherwise would remain obscure in regular checkups.
3.ADHD Masking Medication
Drug treatment minimizes core ADHD symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness. As the symptoms improve, the necessity to use a mask becomes lower. Depending on your needs and comfort, a psychiatrist can propose either stimulant or non-stimulant medicines.
Closing Remarks
Hiding ADHD may be a stressful and tiring experience day in and day out, particularly in women who are attempting to act calm, organized, and focused. At MAVA Behavioral Health, we assist our patients in becoming aware and conscious of high ADHD masking in an attempt to enhance their well-being. Our ADHD masking tests determine the frequency of symptom concealment and demonstrate areas of support requirements.
Our mental health experts identify the latent problems and offer customized services through comprehensive diagnosis. So, it consists of both lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions to deal with symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness. Medication may lessen the necessity to conceal and enhance concentration, emotional steadiness, and self-esteem. At MAVA Behavioral Health, we assist people to live their lives and be real about ADHD by supporting and caring about them.
FAQs
What should I do to know whether I cover up my ADHD?
You tend to conceal your plight to be accepted among others. You make yourself as organized, focused, or calm as you can. It may become tiresome in the long run.
How do you define the 20-minute rule of ADHD?
The attention starts to wane after approximately 20 minutes of doing a task. Taking brief breaks helps your brain to remain alert and productive. It eliminates frustration and burnout. It is effective to use timers or divide tasks. This strategy is more effective in attention management.
Do ADHD people do masking?
Yes, there are a lot of people living with ADHD who conceal their symptoms. Women tend to dress up more to appear laid back. Wearing masks makes them fit and results in distress. It may cause burnout and stress. Awareness is useful in initiating coping measures.
What is the 30% rule in ADHD?
ADHD will slow down your energy or concentration by approximately 30 percent. Work can be more difficult than normal or slow. This will be useful in planning your day. It eliminates frustration and self-criticism. With the help and tools, life becomes easy.
