MASK? Or, I'd like a mask, please?

Okay, so as korny as it sounds, it's not like I need a diagnostic name for my depression. Yes, I know...depression is supposed to be taboo, but I'm not a taboo kind of girl. I think talking about it and bringing it to the forefront, could help others. Others who think they are alone, and fighting a never-winning war. Now, I don't walk around talking about it..advertising it, but my closest friends and my family know I'm embroiled in a bitter battle within myself. A battle where I am feeling defeated...loss, mournful, hopeless and broken hearted. And I'm aware of it, which is good, and I'm getting help for it, which is BETTER! Although, sometimes, I still wanna put a mask on so nobody recognizes me and I can just waltz in and out of the shadows.
Anyhow, I came across this article yesterday and found it very interesting. I'd say this is not just pertaining to parents of children with Autism, but to any caregiver hovering over a challenged or ailing loved one. Interesting reading, nonetheless...

Beware of MASK syndrome
Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed.


Have you noticed any of these symptoms recently:
• Irritability?• Hyper-vigilance?• Repetitive speech?• Avoidance of social interaction?• Disregard for personal appearance and social niceties?

I’m not talking about your child with Asperger’s or autism. I’m talking about you. And me. And a common occurrence I’m calling MASK (Mothers of Autism Spectrum Kids) Syndrome. It occurs when a mom spends so much of her waking life focusing on her child’s special needs and fighting for his interests that, somewhere along the way, she starts to lose touch with the person she used to be. How ironic it is that, in fighting autism, many of us start to become a little more autistic ourselves.
Irritability. Are you suffering from lack of sleep? Worried about your child’s future? Worried about your family’s finances? Ever find yourself snapping at your kids for interrupting you, then feeling guilty afterwards for discouraging this social interaction?
Hyper-vigilance. Do you scan each room you enter for things that might set off a meltdown in your child, such as unusual smells or loud noises? Do you find yourself doing so even when he isn’t with you? For that matter, after avoiding those things for so long, do you find that they now irritate you, too?
Repetitive speech. Do you ever get so caught up in one subject – maybe IEP worries or your frustration with your child’s para – that you catch yourself repeating the same complaints to anyone who will listen? Have you found yourself getting annoyed when your spouse or sister tunes you out or tries to change the subject?
Avoidance of social interaction. Do you choose the self-serve lane at the supermarket and the ATM at the bank because doing things by yourself is just easier? Do you keep meaning to pick up the phone and call a friend, but find yourself too busy or distracted?
Disregard for personal appearance and social niceties. Have the cute hairdos and perky outfits been replaced by ponytails and sweats? Do you ever find yourself so rushed and distracted that it’s just annoying when a cashier or neighbor tries to make chitchat with you about the weather?
If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, you too may be suffering from MASK Syndrome.
Interventions for MASK SyndromeWhile there’s no known cure for MASK Syndrome, there ARE interventions that can lessen the symptoms and help moms to live happier, more satisfying lives. And by implementing these interventions, you’ll be setting a great example for your kids by giving priority to social interaction and other activities you need to maintain your health and well-being.