Have you ever felt like you needed to put on a different face to fit in with your friends or classmates? Maybe you felt like you had to laugh at a joke that wasn’t really funny or pretend to like something just because everyone else did. Perhaps you even felt like you had to hide your true thoughts and feelings because they didn’t match up with what others expected from you.
This is called “masking.” While masking may seem like a survival tactic, it can actually have negative effects on your mental health. Learn more about what masking is in mental health and why teens mask mental illness when you read on here.
What Is Masking in Mental Health?
Masking your mental health is when you hide or suppress your true thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to fit in with a certain group or situation. It’s like wearing a mask to cover up who you really are.
People with autism or other neurodivergent conditions may mask their behaviors to fit in and avoid being judged or discriminated against. This can be exhausting and take a toll on their energy, mood, and life perspective.
How Does Masking Affect Teen Mental Health?
If you constantly feel like you need to hide your true self to fit in with others, it can have a negative impact on your mental health, causing you to feel isolated and disconnected from yourself and others. You may start to question who you really are and whether or not you belong.
Any kind of masking can be harmful because it forces you to pretend to be someone you’re not and suppress your authentic self. Over time, this can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Signs of Masking
Not sure if you’re masking? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Feeling like you have to hide your true thoughts or feelings
- Changing your behavior, speech, or appearance to fit in with a certain group or situation
- Feeling anxious or stressed about being “found out” as different
- Feeling disconnected from yourself and others
- Struggling with self-esteem and confidence
If any of these sound familiar, know that you’re not alone. There are ways you can learn to let go of masking and embrace your true self.
How Can You Stop Masking?
Breaking free from masking takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you stop masking and be your authentic self:
- Start by acknowledging your true thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Don’t try to suppress them or change them based on what others expect from you.
- Surround yourself with supportive people who accept you for who you are. This can help you feel more comfortable being yourself.
- Practice self-care and self-love. Take time to check in with yourself and prioritize your own needs and well-being.
- Seek therapy or support from a trusted adult if you’re struggling with your mental health and need help navigating through masking.
If you need additional support, know that Ascend is here for you. Our mental health treatment programs for teens focus on helping you embrace your true self and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with any mental health concerns.
Get in Touch with Ascend Today
Now that you know what masking is in mental health and why teens mask their mental illness, you can start on a journey toward healthier behavior. Don’t let masking continue to negatively impact your mental health. Remember, it’s okay to be yourself – in fact, it’s something to be proud of! So don’t be afraid to take off the mask and embrace who you truly are.
Call 310.388.3713 today or reach out online to learn more about our teen mental health treatment programs and how we can help you on your journey toward self-discovery and acceptance.
