Dr Becci Quirky Brain CoachDec 18, 2022

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

Show threadMerje
@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
Dec 18, 2022 at 10:13amWeb
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