Why does masking make social interactions feel so draining?

Masking requires constant self monitoring. When you’re tracking your tone, facial expressions, timing, and responses while also trying to follow the conversation, your brain is doing multiple jobs at once. In ADHD, attention and emotional regulation already take more effort, so this extra layer can be exhausting even during casual interactions. Clinicians understand this as cognitive and emotional load rather than social weakness. The fatigue often shows up afterward, once the interaction ends and the nervous system finally drops its guard. Feeling drained doesn’t mean you’re antisocial. It means socializing has required sustained regulation and effort.