2: Masking, Meltdowns, and Shutdowns – What Anxiety ReallyLooks Like

😶 Anxiety Isn’t Always Out Loud

For many neurodivergent adults, anxiety doesn’t look like panic—it looks like:
- Appearing calm while internally screaming (masking)
- Total emotional overwhelm (meltdown)
- Going completely blank or non-verbal (shutdown)

🌀 The Pressure to “Keep It Together”

Many of us have spent years learning to mask. But just because you’re functioning on the outside doesn’t mean you’re okay.

Masking is exhausting. It’s also one of the biggest contributors to chronic anxiety and burnout.

🔥 Meltdown & Shutdown Aren’t Behavioural Issues

They’re survival responses. When you reach cognitive overload, your body and brain shut down as protection.

🧘‍♀️ Key Support Strategy

Learn your early warning signs. Build in recovery time. And create environments where you don’t have to perform all the time.