Many women with ADHD engage in behaviors known as “masking.” But what is ADHD masking – and why is it a problem? Here’s what you need to know. ADHD masking is a term used to describe the phenomenon for women with ADHD appearing to function normally, despite having the ADHD. It’s thought for a woman with ADHD are more likely to mask their symptoms to fit into society and avoid stigma. In certain circumstances a woman with ADHD may not even be aware that they have the disorder and are masking it. They may attribute their problems to other factors, such as stress or a bad home life. Masking can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD, as well as problems in school, work, and relationships. Also known as camouflaging, it is essentially when a woman with ADHD, either intentionally or unintentionally, attempts to conceal their symptoms by copying the behaviors of those who do not have ADHD. It, again, can be an unconscious behavior or done deliberately to help a woman with ADHD fit in, avoid feeling stigmatized, or feel more accepted
What Are Some Examples Of ADHD Masking?
It’s not uncommon for a woman with ADHD to try to mask their symptoms. They may do this consciously or subconsciously. A woman with ADHD may work hard to get to an appointment, even if it means leaving early to allow for any possible delays. In some cases, a woman with ADHD may try to mask their symptoms by avoiding certain activities altogether. For example, a woman with ADHD might avoid social situations because they’re afraid of being embarrassed by their behavioral symptoms.
What ADHD Symptoms Do People Most Often Try To Mask?
One of the most common symptoms of ADHD is impulsivity, which can manifest as difficulty staying on task, interrupting others, or acting without thinking. For a woman with ADHD, this can be frustrating and embarrassing. As a result, a woman with ADHD may try to mask their impulsivity by avoiding situations where it might be displayed. For example, a women may avoid speaking up in meetings or social gatherings, or they may stay glued to their phone so that they don’t have to interact with others. However, this strategy is not always effective, and it can often lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Another common symptom of ADHD is hyperactivity, which can cause people to fidget, pace, or feel constantly “on the go.” Again, this symptom can be embarrassing and frustrating for people with ADHD, so they may try to mask it by sitting still for long periods of time or avoiding physical activity. However, this strategy is not always effective, and it can often lead to feelings of boredom and restlessness.
Strategies To Help With ADHD Masking
Identify Your ADHD Masking Behaviors
If you are a woman with ADHD, you may be used to hiding your symptoms. Perhaps you’ve developed strategies to blend in with your peers, or to keep yourself from being too conspicuous. But while these strategies may help you get by on a day-to-day basis, they can also lead to long-term problems. Hiding your ADHD symptoms can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of shame. So how can you stop hiding your symptoms? The first step is to identify the problematic behaviors that you’re trying to hide. Do you avoid eye contact? Do you fidget or squirm in your seat? Do you have trouble following conversations? Once you’ve identified the behaviors that are causing difficulty in your life, you can start to work on changing them. With time and effort, it’s possible to learn new ways of interacting with the world – and to finally start living your life without shame or secrecy.
Removing The Negativity And Stigma Around Your ADHD
One of the most crucial things you can do to stop hiding your ADHD diagnosis is to remove the negativity and stigma around it. When you have negative feelings about something, especially when it comes to ADHD, it’s only natural to want to hide it. However, when you change the way you think about your ADHD, you can start to see it as a positive thing. There are many successful people with ADHD, and you can be one of them! Embrace your diagnosis and use it to your advantage. When you stop feeling ashamed of your ADHD, you’ll be much more likely to stop hiding it.
Celebrate Your Strengths
Many of the women with ADHD that I have coached have a difficult time celebrating their accomplishments. They may feel like they always have to be doing more or that they are never good enough. But it is important to take the time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you build confidence and remind yourself that you can achieve great things. When you do something that you are proud of, take a moment to reflect on it and to give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it!
Separate Unhealthy and Healthy Behaviors
Many women with ADHD that I have coached is they have found they are able to lead successful and fulfilling lives by learning how to manage their symptoms. One important way to do this is to identify which behaviors are harmful and need to be changed, and which behaviors are helpful and should be encouraged. For example, some women with ADHD may struggle with being disorganized and procrastination. While these can be unhealthy habits, they can also be signs of creativity and ability to think outside the box. Rather than trying to suppress or mask all ADHD symptoms, it may be more helpful to focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms for the symptoms that are causing problems in your life. With knowledge and understanding, you can learn to harness the power of your ADHD and use it to your advantage