Hiding

The simple definition of a mask is, a covering worn on the face to conceal one’s identity.  We know the obvious ones that we see during Halloween or Mardi Gras; however, I see masks a little differently.  To me, a mask is something/anything we use to conceal who we really are and what we are experiencing on the inside. For some, putting up a façade’ is a mask, and for others alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications are masks. 

We wear masks for different reasons: emotional or physical trauma from the past, mental illness, significant loss, or maybe a lack of coping mechanisms.  No matter the mask and what you’re hiding, they all have one thing in common.  As soon as the mask is taken away, the real “me” is exposed and eventually, we have to come to terms with “me.”  As I learned during my counseling days, “you deal with it now or it will deal with you later and in a not so good way.” 

There are times we all need to wear a mask for our own personal reasons; however, when wearing the mask becomes the norm rather than for a special occasion or event, that is a dead giveaway that something inside is out of balance.  Quit hiding, take off your mask, determine what you are hiding from and develop a plan to work the issues.  If you are unsure about the first step, call me.