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Since the inception of the past decade, there has been a steady upward trend in the conversation about mental health. Its prominence in our community has multiplied, especially during the CoVID-19 pandemic, but the world still has a long path to travel in order to destigmatize it. Individuals with mental conditions continue to resort to masking due as a result of stigmatisation. 

 

This article takes a deeper dive into understanding the relationship between social expectations and masking behaviours. 

 

What is ‘Masking’ and why do people ‘Mask’ their mental conditions?

 

Masking, also known as camouflaging, is when an individual changes their behaviour or “masks” their behaviour to conform to social expectations. People may feel the need to hide their symptoms due to the fear of discrimination and negative rhetoric surrounding mental health. Mental conditions affect access to opportunities at work or school, face violence, income level, access to safe housing, and basic needs. 

 

The act of masking is evident in people with mental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For example, a common social norm is to maintain eye contact while talking to the person to seem confident and attentive. However, many individuals with ASD find it difficult to make eye contact while conversing with others. In an effort to work around this situation, people mask this behaviour by looking between the other person’s eyebrows to make it seem like they are maintaining eye contact whereas, in reality, they are not. These disorders can be diagnosed in childhood as early as 18 months of age. 

 

Prevalence of ‘Masking’ in Women

 

According to studies, females with mental disorders (subconsciously) tend to camouflage their symptoms more than compared to their male counterparts and this results in a large population of girls going undiagnosed in childhood. They are more likely to get diagnosed in their adult life or not get diagnosed at all. A student with ADHD may display hyperactivity in many ways, some may move their body, others may fidget but a common symptom presentation in girls is doodling. 

This type of behaviour is not only common with individuals with ASD and ADHD but is also popularly prevalent in people with chronic anxiety or stress.  

 

Do Social Expectations Play A Role in Perpetuating Masking Behaviours?

 

While looking into an example of women being diagnosed with ASD and ADHD later in life due to their masking, one of the major contributing factors of this is the social expectations placed on females. From a young age, many individuals are expected to act and conform to social standards. Girls are expected to be calm, caring and loving. On the other hand, boys are expected to be tough, outgoing and aggressive. Due to this stereotype being imposed onto children from a young age, they learn to mask their symptoms. Let’s take the example of one common symptom of ADHD: hyperactivity. Girls who are hyperactive may learn to be more aware and conscious about how they act around others. This tends to happen due to reinforcements from others to act in a manner that would be socially acceptable, even if it is difficult for one to do so.  

 

Why Do We Need To Know About Masking?

 

Many of us may be conditioned into masking. We might feel overwhelmed but, at the same time,  may feel the need to keep things going to make it seem that everything is alright, instead of using a healthy coping mechanism such as taking a few minutes to ourselves to collect our thoughts. Such behaviours can have a major impact on the well-being of the individual as well as the society as a whole. Being conscious about these tendencies can help us develop a sense of self-awareness, and in turn, help create a more inclusive and constructive environment. 

 

Awareness is a powerful tool when it comes to actions being taken. Increased awareness about masking behaviours can help in creating a safe space where everyone can be themselves and take off their mask to reveal their true self.