As we creep closer to Halloween, the season of spooky costumes and masked disguises, there’s a different kind of "masking" that doesn't get as much attention—one that's way more chilling than any haunted house. I’m talking about mental health masking. In the world of mental health, masking means concealing your true feelings, emotions, or even personality to fit in, avoid judgment, or keep others comfortable.
When you're masking, you’re trying to blend in and fly under the radar, keeping your true self in the shadows. Sure, we all have moments where we don a mask (I mean, who hasn’t thrown on their "I'm-totally-fine" mask when they weren’t feeling their best?), but constant masking can drain you faster than a busy day at work.
Who's Behind the Mask?
Many people who mask deal with social anxiety, autism, ADHD, or other mental health challenges. For them, masking can feel like a survival strategy. You want to be accepted, but it’s exhausting to keep up the act.
In fact, masking often leads to burnout, anxiety, and even depression because the more you hide your true self, the more disconnected you feel from others—and from you. It’s like trying to juggle too many things at once: eventually, something’s going to drop!
Why Do We Mask?
So why do we slip into these emotional costumes? Picture this: You’re in a social setting, and suddenly, the atmosphere changes. Everyone around you seems unfazed, but internally, you’re feeling out of place and unsure. Masking is a way of trying to avoid that awkwardness, to fit in with the crowd, and to avoid judgment or feeling "different."
Whether it's the fear of rejection, societal pressure, or the desire to blend in, masking can seem like the easiest trick to pull off in the short term. But even the best masks can get uncomfortable after a while. The same goes for emotional masking—it’s just not sustainable.
Tricks to Stop Masking and Treat Yourself Right
Unmask in Safe Spaces: Find your support system—the people you feel comfortable around who understand you. These are the individuals with whom you can be your quirky, unapologetic self, no mask required.
Carve Out Time for Self-Care: Take time to peel away the layers of stress and recharge. The more in tune you are with your own feelings, the easier it will be to share them openly.
Practice Honest Communication: No need to share your deepest fears, but try being real about how you’re feeling with people you trust. You'll be surprised how freeing it is to ditch the mask!
Seek Professional Help: If masking feels like more than just a temporary coping mechanism and is impacting your mental health, consider talking to a therapist. They can help you unmask, process your feelings, and embrace your true self.
Final Thoughts
This Halloween, while you're picking out your costume, take a moment to think about the emotional masks you might be wearing daily. Are they really serving you, or are they tricking you into thinking you have to hide?
At The Therapy Collective of Michigan, we’re all about helping you show your true face (and no, not just your Halloween one). Whether you're in Wyandotte or Jenison, we’re here to help you embrace your authentic self—masks off!
Happy Halloween, and may the only masks you wear be the fun, spooky kind! 🎃
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