Masking is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when a person hides their true thoughts, emotions, or identity behind a social mask. This behavior can be conscious or unconscious and can manifest itself in various ways in social interaction. Throughout history, masking has been studied in the field of psychology and has been related to different mental disorders, including anxiety.
The masking and its impact on anxiety
Masking can be a coping strategy used by people to adapt to social situations or to protect themselves from possible judgment or criticism. However, when this behavior becomes a habitual pattern, it can have negative consequences for mental health, including the development of anxiety disorders.
Types of masking
There are different types of masking that can contribute to increased anxiety levels in a person. One of the most common is emotional masking, where the person represses or fakes emotions to fit into a certain social context. This can generate significant internal tension and lead to feelings of inauthenticity and emotional stress, factors that are closely related to anxiety.
Another common type of masking is identity masking. In this case, the person hides fundamental aspects of their true being to avoid rejection or discrimination. This process can generate internal conflicts and a feeling of lack of genuine acceptance by others, which can contribute to the development or exacerbation of anxiety problems.
The role of self-esteem in masking and anxiety
The relationship between masking, self-esteem and anxiety is significant. People who feel insecure about their self-worth tend to resort to masking as a way to gain external validation or protect themselves from potential rejection. However, this pattern of behavior can reinforce feelings of dissatisfaction with oneself and increase anxiety levels in the individual.
Chronic stress and masking
Prolonged masking can lead to a state of chronic stress in the individual, since the person constantly has to maintain a facade or a false image in their interaction with others. This ongoing stress can trigger anxiety responses in the body, such as the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of the stress hormone cortisol.
When masking becomes a habitual way of relating to the environment, the person may experience physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as tachycardia, difficulty breathing, catastrophic thoughts, and constant worry. These symptoms can interfere with a person's daily functioning and affect their overall quality of life.
Therapeutic approach to masking and anxiety
For people who suffer from anxiety as a result of masking, psychological therapy can be an effective tool to address these problems. In a safe and confidential therapeutic environment, the individual can explore the underlying causes of their masking, identify harmful patterns of behavior, and learn strategies to cultivate healthy self-esteem and emotional authenticity.
Intervention techniques for masking
Some of the therapeutic techniques that may be useful in addressing masking and anxiety include cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thoughts and negative behavioral patterns; acceptance and commitment therapy, which promotes acceptance of emotions and emotional authenticity; and person-centered therapy, which encourages self-awareness and authenticity.
In addition to individual therapy, group therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing masking and anxiety, giving them the opportunity to share your experiences with other individuals who are going through similar situations. Mutual support and understanding from other group members can be a key factor in the process of healing and personal growth.
Conclusions
In conclusion, masking can be a significant reason for people to experience anxiety, since the lack of authenticity and the need to hide aspects of oneself can generate emotional stress and internal tension that manifest in anxiety symptoms. It is important to recognize the negative impact that masking can have on mental health and seek professional help if you experience difficulties in this regard.
Psychological therapy, along with personal work and self-exploration, can be tools Valuable in addressing masking and anxiety, allowing the person to develop greater self-awareness, healthy self-esteem, and a more authentic connection with themselves and others.