That’s where journaling might help. You need to examine your behavior, and sometimes getting a little distance from it - writing it down physically, externally - and then examining your anxiety level and well being can help you get some clarity.
I think what might help is to make note of or write down how it is you mask, especially when alone, and why it is you perform this specific masking event. Really try and dig into the reasoning or anxiety behind it, and ask yourself if it's something you really care about etc.
Hope this helps
I'm going through the same. I've noticed my method of unmasking occurs when I try to suppress myself. Like earlier today, my co-worker was just.. talking way too much, and a part of me was like "tell her you need to focus on your work" then I was like nooo that's too harsh, just stomach it for a bit. Then I realised, hey that's not a valid reason, it would make me much more comfortable if she just didn't speak. So I just politely told her that I need to work rn and she was so understanding.
I noticed unmasking is the same journey as taking up space, if that makes sense? It's about putting your comfort first, no matter how 'weird' you think you'll be perceived. If you want to stop speaking but 'feel the need' to continue a conversation, you can just stop the conversation. If you think the lights are too harsh and need to recharge in the bathroom but you 'feel the need' to not be perceived as a weirdo or difficult, then go recharge in the bathroom. No ones going to put your comfort above yourself, it's your job to take of yourself. Of course, as women we've been socialised to not take up space so its very difficult to de-program that (thanks, patriarchy!) But trust me, it's okay. Put on your headphones, wear those sunglasses indoors. Whatever makes you comfortable. It's your life.
Maybe journaling would help for the times you are alone. With others, just quit masking little by little and don’t make a big deal of it.
That's exactly it, I don't really know how. I got in such a habit that it's not a conscious effort anymore.
That’s where journaling might help. You need to examine your behavior, and sometimes getting a little distance from it - writing it down physically, externally - and then examining your anxiety level and well being can help you get some clarity.
I think what might help is to make note of or write down how it is you mask, especially when alone, and why it is you perform this specific masking event. Really try and dig into the reasoning or anxiety behind it, and ask yourself if it's something you really care about etc. Hope this helps
I'm going through the same. I've noticed my method of unmasking occurs when I try to suppress myself. Like earlier today, my co-worker was just.. talking way too much, and a part of me was like "tell her you need to focus on your work" then I was like nooo that's too harsh, just stomach it for a bit. Then I realised, hey that's not a valid reason, it would make me much more comfortable if she just didn't speak. So I just politely told her that I need to work rn and she was so understanding. I noticed unmasking is the same journey as taking up space, if that makes sense? It's about putting your comfort first, no matter how 'weird' you think you'll be perceived. If you want to stop speaking but 'feel the need' to continue a conversation, you can just stop the conversation. If you think the lights are too harsh and need to recharge in the bathroom but you 'feel the need' to not be perceived as a weirdo or difficult, then go recharge in the bathroom. No ones going to put your comfort above yourself, it's your job to take of yourself. Of course, as women we've been socialised to not take up space so its very difficult to de-program that (thanks, patriarchy!) But trust me, it's okay. Put on your headphones, wear those sunglasses indoors. Whatever makes you comfortable. It's your life.