The Hidden Cost of Masking: Supporting Neurodivergent Mental Health

When I work with individuals who are navigating ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the term “masking” often comes up in conversation. 

But what exactly is masking, and why does it have such a negative impact on mental health?

To me, masking occurs when someone feels unable to live a life that is true to themselves—because when they try, it simply doesn’t work in their current context. This process can be either conscious or unconscious. Masking carries what I call an “emotional debt,” and over time, excessive masking can lead to “emotional bankruptcy” or burnout.

So, what can we do from a psychotherapy perspective?

We can support our patients by helping them clearly define their values and what truly matters to them. From there, we work together to pursue a life that feels more authentic—while also finding ways to make that life workable within the external world.