Why masking works until it doesn't.

Masking is often misunderstood as deception.

In reality, it's translation.

It's the effort of reshaping internal experience into something the outside world can tolerate.

For neurodivergent people, masking often begins early.

Tone is adjusted.

Reactions are filtered.

Needs are minimised.

This allows access to work, relationships, and safety.

And for a long time, it works.

The problem is that masking is metabolically expensive.

It requires constant monitoring.

Constant adjustment.

Constant self-interruption.

Over time, this creates exhaustion that doesn't respond to rest.

Because the effort never stops.

Many people don't realise they're masking.

They just feel tired, irritable, or detached.

They wonder why things that "should be fine" feel so hard.

The cost of masking isn't failure.

It's success without relief.

Unmasking doesn't mean abandoning all adaptation.

It means becoming selective.

Choosing where effort is necessary and where it's optional.

That might involve reducing social exposure.

Allowing more direct communication.

Letting your environment fit you instead of the other way around.

Masking kept you safe.

You don't need to punish yourself for that.

But you are allowed to ask whether it's still costing more than it gives.