Dr Becci Quirky Brain Coach

I'm not aware of scientific work on this but it's my own experience that too much #masking and working too hard makes me vulnerable to infections.

I had a cold and had two important work deliverables to do. I was the only person who could do them, and I didn't want to disappoint. I also only thought I had a cold. I tested negative for COVID loads of days in a row, too...and thought I was feeling a little better.

However, I had to mask a lot and really force myself to work hard and concentrate - under deadlines too.

As soon as I began to relax for the first time in over a week yesterday: a huge fever developed.

I'm not after any sympathy. I'm cuddling my animals, who maintain a constant vigil.

I am curious to know how common this experience is for anyone masking #neurodivergent conditions, however. I'd also love to know if there is any scientific literature on this phenomenon for a range of brains.

Does this happen to you and why do you think it happens?

#ADHD #Autism #AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic #AskingADHD #AskingAutistics #Neurodivergent #Masking

Dec 18, 2022 at 7:08amWeb
Show threadRiDec 18, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach I noticed that I get sick more often after a period of stress. I'm definately more stressed when I'm forced to mask.
Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 18, 2022
@skippingmoonrocks I've definitely seen this in other people. I know it's jokingly considered a thing in education. I am just wondering if masking makes it more likely. What you say chimes with my experience.
Show threadIpse DixitDec 18, 2022

@thequirkybraincoach I know with me stress directly affects my physical health and immunity and masking puts me under immense stress.

I often get sick just after a particularly stressful time and I reckon it's because all my energy is spent fighting my mental capacity and my physical defence is compromised.

I hope that answers some of your questions. 😊

Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 18, 2022
@IpseDixit aha! Good points. If could be that the stress associated with masking plays a role. Stress can lower immunity. I also wish we had other ways to talk about "energy" other than calories. I research the concept of zest and I know that masking kills my zest levels - but we can't measure it well. Thanks for your input 😊👍
Show threadMerjeDec 18, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach I’m not sure it’s a thing unique to us ND types. Teachers always get sick over holidays. We all just work too hard and make our bodies store up all the ailments via stress hormones until it is safe to let them out. That said, we may experience more stress (via masking, for example) so have fewer “safe” times
Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 18, 2022
@merjes oh for sure. I don't think it's unique to NDs. I just wondered if masking contributes. As you point out, it's common in education (I'm in training and coaching heh heh). I like the idea of thinking about fewer safe times, though. 👍😊
Show threadMerjeDec 18, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach yeah, I think that’s actually it. There are fewer times that we feel safe enough to be ourselves. I am still learning to unmask and I don’t think I ever fully will
Show threadotto9ottoDec 18, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach There are lots of studies on chronic stress and infections. This one, for instance: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/
Life Event, Stress and Illness

The relationship between stress and illness is complex. The susceptibility to stress varies from person to person. Among the factors that influenced the susceptibility to stress are genetic vulnerability, coping style, type of personality and social support. ...

PubMed Central (PMC)
Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 19, 2022
@otto9otto ooooh thank you. I will read this later with interest.
Show threadQueerlyAutisticDec 18, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach I've absolutely experienced this: where I've been so focused on something, getting through it, masking, holding it together, and then the moment that the stress goes away, or I don't need to mask anymore, not only do I fall apart, but I almost ALWAYS get sick. It's like my body goes FINALLY and let's everything go, including my immune system.
Show threadWhat just happened???Dec 19, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach
Correlation is not equal to causality. Masks may add to your stress which may trigger immune sensitivity for you.
There is no evidence masks *cause* illness as they have been in use in the healthcare system for decades, as well as other cultures.
For a different anecdotal perspective, I am an avid mask wearer since the onset of the pandemic. I have not been sick since long before COVID and masks are no big deal to me to be added to my activities.
Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 19, 2022
@wjh this is my fault...I meant "autistic masking", the act of trying to appear neurotypical. I didn't specifically point out what type of masking I meant but will next time. 😊👍
Show threadWhat just happened???Dec 19, 2022
@thequirkybraincoach goodness, that was a big misunderstanding! 😇
Show threadDr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 19, 2022
@wjh no harm done at all 😊😊😊