Have you heard of ADHD and "MASKING!?" It was a term coined by Dr. Russel Barkely, who uses it to discribe how kids and adults with ADHD sometimes find ways to "camoflauge" symptoms and/or areas of struggle! For example, acting "too quiet and overly careful when in conversations with others or obsessively checking to see if they have things in the right place, or internalizing intense emotions, reacting in a way others expect vs how you actually feel, hold back urges to move body, and mimic peers in social situations in an effort to fit in or be liked! Sound familiar!?
I know it does to me! I think I covered most of what is on this list growing up! You may think, what is so bad about masking sometimes!? Well, in SOME ways it can be helpful, but in other ways it can be harmful. Let's unpack what is harmful and find some helpful strategies to work through those hurtful masking moments!
Why can it be harmful?
- Can result in guilt and shame to be burried deep.
- May prevent diagnosis that could be helpful in getting you the resources you need to succeed.
- Causes higher anxiety and internalized stress levels
- It's hard to truly know who you are and what your purpose is when covering up your true self.
How can we help?
- IDENTIFY which masking is helpful vs. harmful?
- PRACTICE working through symptoms and emotions vs avoiding them (This is where a therapist and/or an ADHD coach would be helpful.)
- CONNECT with like minded individuals and get involved in an ADHD community where you feel seen, heard and better understood!
Love you all and hope you can unmask to see the incredible human you were created to be!!
Check out my website at www.katelynmabry.com to sign up for my newsletter, check out my book, or book a coaching consultation with me! We are on this journey together remember! Have a great day!
