Masking, also called camouflaging or compensating, is when individuals repress or hide signs of a mental health condition to blend in or adapt to the neurotypical world.
What Is Masking? (Plain Language Explanation)
Masking refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Masking
- Symptoms: The specific ways masking shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen masking
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When masking occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Masking
- Masking is far more common than most people realize
- Masking is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with masking see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about masking is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing masking, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.