• Replies 14 replies
  • Subscribers 87 subscribers
  • Views 9401 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Removing 'the mask'

NAS62726

As a female currently trying to cope with life I am wondering how others cope with their 'masking' of symptoms.

For me, I have found I immediately fake a smile and make an effort to have interesting conversation and must stay alert during conversation inorder to present as normal. I have found particular problems with work. I can easily get a job. I am good at interviews and can keep my performance going for upto a month on average but then I will slowly or suddenly start to decline. I miss deadlines, I feel exhausted, stressed, disorganised, unmotivated and my work performance just gets worse. I have never lasted more than 7 months in a job.

What does 'masking' look like to you? 

Parents Reply Children
  • in reply to Castle

    The key is, you have to realise that the 'real you' is OK... that YOU are OK and it's OK not to conform - you're not doing any harm to anyone.

    That sometimes the problem is other people and their expectations, prejudices, baggage etc. and you aren't responsible for that.

    The difficulty is that because you are in a minority, the 'others' don't see that the problem is one that is theirs to solve or to at least help you to overcome... even if it's simply their acceptance or your 'otherness'.

    Sounds easy... but I'm struggling with this myself following diagnosis