'masking', good or bad?

Hi.

I've had anxiety since early childhood. I somehow learnt to 'mask', and although isn't a fix, its a technique I find helps.

My teenage brother has opened up about struggling with social anxiety. We've tried to broach it before, but wanted him to feel comfortable him coming to us when he was ready. I'm finding it really difficult to find resources online aimed at his age group, and although there's a plethora of information out there, it's all quite dull to read from the view of a teenager! So I've decided to attempt to make my own for him. I'm working on strategies that may help him, and I had a fleeting idea to put 'masking' and explain how it might help. HOWEVER, I've never really thought about whether masking is a coping technique or a self destructive action. I obviously don't want to suggest anything that is harmful in any way, and I almost feel really stupid for even suggesting it, I've been doing it for so long and it kind of comes naturally. I don't want him to feel like he has to change his persona just to get through social interactions, believe me if I could be myself I would. He's such a wonderful boy and I don't want him to ever lose that, or feel like who he is isn't enough. But on the other side, it helps you get through non avoidable social interactions day to day which can alleviate the pressure. I'm second guessing myself so much on this one that I don't even think I'll put it in now, but I just need to know what are your thoughts on masking? Friend, or foe? Please don't judge my question, it might be glaringly obvious and I'll kick myself for it afterwards, but it's like a lightbulb moment has just happened and I don't know where to go with it.

Thank you so much in advance.

0 likes, 1 reply