Exploring Feelings About Masking

so maybe im not masking technically by that logic

I cant control my masking, I just revert when im thinking mid conversation.

I’ve started to notice stims that I do (I’m only recently diagnosed so I thought this was all normal before now lol) so I feel like I’ve allowed myself to stim more even in public… it really helps my stress

I'm not diagnosed yet (getting closer to a diagnosis though!), but since I've started genuinely considering being on the spectrum, I've realized how much I do mask and I've been trying to stop. Sadly, at this point it's just been engraved into my head every since I was a child that it's really hard to stop

Idk what masking is, but I've hid myself behind a mental mask because everyone hates me

I've always been myself, however I have tried to fit in. I think the only times I can remember trying to conform were in 6th grade, however I remember feeling like an outsider to the groups I would hang out with. They weren't mean to me, I just felt like an outsider. I don't mask, because I think I masked when I was younger because I wanted to feel wanted. But I am wanted, and I know that now. I had terrible self confidence issues as a kid (I was a gifted kid). I stim in public, and if people don't like it or stare that's really not my problem.

I try not to mask in public just because I am scared I will be treated differently. I dont like masking because when I get home I usually have a meltdown if I was too overstimulated during the day.

I recently got diagnosed at 17 almost 18 and I have been masking (pretty well according to my doctor) my whole life. It is hard to not mask in public and I am working on learning how to take my ‘mask’ off when I am alone. For me, it is my everyday, however exhausting it may be.

I only mask at work, I have to work with the general public for the time being. Most people can tell I'm autistic because they can pick out the fakeness of me talking to them.

Same here. I’ve been working on stopping lately

My personal opinion is that I hate masking and that everyone should never should put on a fake face. But today's society has that all messed up and unfortunately... everyone has to put on a mask. -P You shouldn't have to mask, don't be ashamed of yourself and don't let others tell you who you should be and who you shouldn't be. -☆

I was not diagnosed until I was 12, and was never in therapy. I have tried to stop masking, but because I did it for soo long I struggle to stop.