Masking and Unmasking
What is masking?
Masking is a strategy to hide learning challenges that you may experience.
It often manifests in people overcompensating in other areas that they find easier than maths. For example, one of the adults on our advisory board struggles with maths but is gifted in literacy and so they report over-stretching themselves and pushing themselves harder when it comes to anything literacy-based.
Impact on Mental Health
Benefits of unmasking
It can be difficult to ‘unmask’ as it can make us feel vulnerable.There can be times when it doesn’t feel safe to unmask and that is okay. You also should never feel like you have to ‘explain’ your dyscalculia to anyone.
However, in safe and suppoırtive environments, there are huge benefits to unmasking and being open about your relationship with maths. It builds an inclusive and trusting environment, helps you get the support you need and improves your personal well-being.
It can be difficult to ‘unmask’ but being open and honest about your challenges with maths, in a supportive setting, is the best way to ensure your longer-term happiness.
Supporting people ‘unmasking’ their dyscalculia
Talking to a trusted friend, family member or work colleague can be a good place to start. It can help build your confidence and help you gain the trust needed to talk to other people within your circle.
Connecting with other adults with dyscaulia can also be beneficial as it may help you realise that you are not alone and there are many others like you who find maths challenging.
Check out our ‘Case Study’ blogs to read about the experiences of other people with dyscalculia. We are also always here to offer any support we can.
Mental Health Strategies
- Acknowledge your dyscalculia.
- Talk to friends and family about how you feel and some of your challenges.
- Try to connect with other people with dyscalculia to create a community of people who you can relate to.
- Remember you don’t have to disclose your dyscalculia if you don’t feel comfortable to do so.
- If you do feel you have to tell someone or decide to share your challenges make sure you have your support network available to help you deal with the emotions involved.
- Be prepared to have a laugh about the situations and things that sometimes happen!
- Try to take time to switch off and have ‘you time’ to give your brain a break
