Imposter syndrome

          Imposter Syndrome is a term that is often used to describe personal feelings and experiences of inadequacy and failure. Individuals who are affected by Imposter Syndrome often come from families who have high expectations, and as a result, are unable to recognize their success and accomplishments. Instead, success might be minimized or attributed to luck rather than competency, leaving an individual with an underlying fear that others around them will soon find out that they are a fraud. Imposter Syndrome can affect anyone at any stage of their life, especially when transitioning into a new role such as a parenthood, a student, or beginning a new career. Individuals affected by Imposter Syndrome often suffer alone with unpleasant symptoms such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and self-worth.
           As a second-year graduate student, I can relate to many of the unpleasant symptoms of imposter syndrome. The biggest challenge I have had to overcome was to acknowledge that not everyone around me knows more than I do, and that it is okay to not be an expert because I am still learning. By engaging in therapy and seeking support from my peers, I have learned that I am not the only one who experiences these feelings. This has helped me to combat negative thinking patterns and gain confidence in my professional life.
          If you are experiencing feelings of fraudulence and inadequacy in your personal life, know that you are not alone. There are many ways to combat these negative thinking patterns to help you feel more confident in your everyday life:

1. Remember that you cannot be an expert on EVERYTHING. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
2. Do not minimize your accomplishments or progress. There is a part of you that is proud of how far you have come.
3. Challenge your negative thinking patterns. Where is the evidence for these negative thoughts and feelings? Do they serve a purpose in my life?
4. Stop comparing yourself to others - especially those who are experts. Instead, try to reflect on your thoughts and experiences and why you feel the way you do. Taking a break to recharge may also help shift your perspective on things.
5. Practice affirmations. By using positive statements about oneself, it can help overcome self-sabotaging thoughts. The more you repeat them, the more you will believe it is true.
6. Talk to someone you trust. It is important to have a solid support system in all aspects of your life. For some, engaging in individual and/or group therapy will enable the person to identify with their own feelings about being a fraud, and allow for an opportunity to develop a realistic perspective of their abilities and accomplishments.

 
Written by:

​Sarah VanRoboys, BA
Student Social Worker, Summer 2021