Masking · How I’m Wired
How much you hide or change parts of yourself to fit in or feel safe, and when you feel able to be yourself.
13 statements, about 4 minutes. For each one, pick “That’s me”, “Sometimes” or “Not really”. Free, and not a diagnosis. At the end you get feedback in words: your strengths, what can feel harder, what helps you and ideas to try.
Strengths
- There are people I can be fully myself with.
- I can tell when I’m masking.
- I’m finding out which parts of myself I want to show more.
What can feel harder
- I copy how other people act so I fit in.
- I plan or rehearse conversations in advance.
- I hide things that help me feel calm, like fidgeting or moving.
- I feel exhausted after being with people, even when it went well.
- I’m not always sure who I am when I’m not masking.
- I mask even with people close to me.
What helps
- Time alone after masking to recover.
- Places where I don’t have to explain myself.
- People who accept me as I am.
- Knowing people with similar experiences.
If this brought up difficult feelings, you don’t have to sit with them alone. Talking to someone you trust or your GP can help. If you need to talk to someone now, Samaritans are free to call on 116 123, any time.