The Damaging Affects of Imposter Syndrome

For most of us doing well in an exam, passing your driving test or achieving success in any form is celebrated and met with feelings of joy and pride. However, for those suffering with ‘Imposter Syndrome’ success is instead met by feelings of guilt and a sense of fraudulence.

Imposter Syndrome, while not yet recognised as a mental disorder, is a phenomenon that occurs in an individual, seriously damaging their self esteem and motivation to strive in life. Those that suffer from the phenomenon believe that they are owed no credit for their achievements, and simply feel like a fraud and unworthy for their accomplishments. They believe that any measure of success that comes their way is a mistake.

Those with Imposter Syndrome experience much deeper feelings of anxiety and self doubt that the regular person would endure. They would shun compliments far beyond the point of modesty. They would hide their accomplishments from you. They would fear for the moment that they are ‘caught’ and ‘exposed’ as an imposter. 

Imposter Syndrome is often a problem that can be traced back to our childhood. A high percentage of those with symptoms of the phenomenon have dealt with domestic,emotional or verbal abuse as a child. The heavy self doubt that is held from within in these individuals is a response to trauma. The victims of this constant anxiety would often avoid pursuing opportunities or tasks in fear of possible failure ; a defense mechanism built by their mind. Careers that involve constant critiquing can also result in the individual obtaining Imposter syndrome.

A DCU student who suffers with Imposter Syndrome was interviewed as part of my research into the phenomenon. “When I got my Leaving certificate results I immediately felt guilt” , “I felt like I didn’t deserve the points that I had gotten. I felt weird telling family and friends about my points. Thinking back I definitely did feel like a fraud”. 

When asked about her transition into college she responded: “When I started my course I felt stupid. I thought everyone in the course was so smart and then there was me.I felt and still feel like I don’t belong”. The DCU student in question accounted her success in reaching her dream course to luck, and not the hours of study and learning she had done.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is not an easy task. The heavy doubt may never be completely banished. The key to being able to live a healthy lifestyle with the condition is to understand your own thoughts , and be able to recognise the symptoms. 

Once you recognise the symptoms, acknowledge that they are lies and very limiting ways of thinking. Acknowledge that it is not your mind fighting you and trying to make you miserable, it is your mind trying to protect you. 

We as human beings have a picture of what other people are like, but fail to imagine how flawed others are. We fail to see beneath a polished surface. We are constantly aware of our own anxieties and flaws but can only see what others allow us to see. Hence, we know ourselves from the inside but others from the outside.

It’s reported that 70% of people have had a passing encounter with symptoms of Imposter Syndrome. Those trying to live with the syndrome need to remember that everyone has feelings of doubt, shame and guilt. Apart from externally, we are generally all very alike.

Most of us have, even at one point in our lives, felt like an imposter. Every human being is able, and equipped for success no matter how big or small. How to overcome Imposter Syndrome? Live your life to the fullest, when you fail try again, practise self-love, avoid comparing yourself to others and never be afraid to ask for help.

• imposter syndrome
• mental illness