Beneath the mask of calm, anxiety tells a different story.

Anxiety can feel a lot like masking. On the outside, you may appear calm, capable, or agreeable—while inside you’re carrying worry, tension, and overwhelm. Masking often means hiding your true feelings or needs in order to keep the peace, avoid judgment, or meet expectations. Over time, this constant performance can become exhausting, leaving you anxious, disconnected, and unsure of who you really are beneath the mask.]

Quiz: Is It Anxiety or Masking?

For each statement, choose the option that feels most true for you.

1. On the outside, I often appear calm, composed, or “fine,” even when I feel stressed or worried inside.

• Mostly true → Masking

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Anxiety

2. I feel tense, restless, or on edge, even if no one notices.

• Mostly true → Anxiety

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Masking

3. I often hide my needs, opinions, or feelings to avoid conflict or please others.

• Mostly true → Masking

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Anxiety

4. My mind races, I overthink, or I feel a constant sense of worry.

• Mostly true → Anxiety

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Masking

5. I spend a lot of energy “performing” or holding it together, even when I feel exhausted inside.

• Mostly true → Masking

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Anxiety

6. I notice physical symptoms like tension, racing heart, or restlessness that come with worry.

• Mostly true → Anxiety

• Sometimes true → Both

• Not true → Masking

  
  

How to interpret your answers:

• Mostly Masking: You are likely hiding your feelings or needs to cope or meet expectations. Therapy can help you safely explore what’s underneath.

• Mostly Anxiety: You may be experiencing anxiety that shows up internally, even if others don’t notice. Therapy can support regulation, coping skills, and self-compassion.

• Mostly Both: You might be experiencing anxiety while also masking it. Therapy can provide a safe space to uncover patterns, reduce overwhelm, and reconnect with your authentic self.