Imposter Syndrome: Symptoms And How To Deal With It

Imposter syndrome and its symptoms can be mentally and psychologically very incapacitating, and can even end up preventing you from living a normal life.

Is this how you are thinking but wouldn’t dare to share?

‘I am so different from who they think I am. They think I am good, but if only they knew…’

‘I am scared of being found out, feeling a fraud, and waking up worried about my façade.’

You think like someone who is suffering from… Imposter Syndrome.

Petronella switched off the lights, put on the alarm, and closed the front door behind her. She paused on the doorstep. A lovely picture.

Imposter Syndrome Symptoms

A good-looking woman of around 50 with a beautiful expensive-looking suit, elegant high heels, and blond highlights in a well-coiffured bob against the background of a classical green front door of one of those listed houses in the suburbs of London.

The picture of a successful woman, who is leading a great life. That’s the picture. But what is the story?

Petronella is posh. She went to an all-girls boarding school, then attended university abroad and married a wealthy property guy. They had three children who are now all living their lives away from home and Petronella, who had always worked part-time, is now holding down a full-time job.

She is very good at it.

But the picture we see of Petronella is only a part of her. The other part is carefully hidden and the only one who knows it is Petronella herself.

Related: The 7 Kinds Of Hidden Trauma That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Imposter syndrome symptoms: What is she hiding?

Her secret companion is a little creepy monster, sitting on her shoulder invisible for the world, and continuously whispering at her……

  • Making her feel bad about herself.
  • Stressing her out.
  • Forcing her to walk on eggshells.
  • And keeping her awake at night.

The monster tells her:

  • You made a mistake.
  • You could have done better.
  • Oh, look at your colleagues, they are so clever.
  • One day they will find out you are actually not that good.

This creepy monster has a name: Imposter Syndrome.

It is very common, especially amongst women, but one of those ‘let’s not talk about’ subjects. 

How To Deal With Your Imposter Syndrome?

  • Don’t try to ignore the voice, face it full-on.
  • Your IS monster is talking to you as an authority. Are you responding as a child? If so, step into your adult to dismantle the power of the authority.
  • Start a dialogue and continue a conversation.
  • Don’t think black and white. Making one mistake or being less perfect doesn’t make you useless at your job.
  • Find rational proof that IS got it wrong.

Check out if you are suffering from Imposter Syndrome by doing my online quiz.


Written By Mariette Jansen
Originally Appeared In Dr. Destress
Imposter Syndrome Symptoms pin
imposter syndrome pin

— Share —

, , ,

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Up Next

Unsocial Media: The Real Effects Of Screen Time

Unsocial Media The Real Effects Of More Screen Time

Is social media making us less social in real life? Discover the true effects of screen time on face-to-face connections and overall well-being.

Loss of real-life interaction hampers social development.

Key points

A significant amount of real-life social interaction seems essential for the development of emotional and personal skills.

Research suggests that today’s youth has about half the exposure to critical real-life social interaction that pre-internet generations did.

Trends in poor social development among young people suggest the need for urgent attention and specific strategies to enhanc

Up Next

When Grandparents’ Love Goes Sour: 8 Signs Of Toxic Grandparents And How To Survive Them

Signs Of Toxic Grandparents

Have you ever noticed certain behaviors that make you wonder if your grandparents’ love might be a little… off? Spotting the signs of toxic grandparents can be tough, especially when society paints them as the ultimate source of unconditional love and support.

But sometimes, grandparents might cross boundaries, show favoritism, or create a stressful environment that doesn’t quite feel right. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about their behavior, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll dive into the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of toxic grandparents and give you some strategies regarding how to deal with toxic grandparents, without causing family drama.

First, let us try to understand what are toxic grandparents.

Up Next

How a Person with Bipolar Disorder Thinks: 10 Things That Cross Their Mind

How a Person with Bipolar Disorder Thinks

Ever wondered how a person with bipolar disorder thinks? Living with bipolar disorder is often a constant ride of highs and lows, not just in mood but also in thoughts.

One moment, someone might feel invincible, brimming with ideas and energy; the next, they may feel crushed by sadness or anxiety, weighed down by self-doubt and exhaustion.

Understanding how a person with bipolar disorder thinks can help you understand better what they might be going through. Today, we’ll dive into what is bipolar disorder, followed by 10 thoughts that often cross the minds of those who live with it.

Let’s start with what is bipolar disorder.

Related:

Up Next

9 Unusual Signs of Low Intelligence That Will Surprise You

Indicators of Low Intelligence That Will Surprise You

When we talk about intelligence, most of us picture sharp-witted people solving puzzles or doing complex math. But the signs of low intelligence can be just as telling, and they show up in ways you might not expect.

A low IQ person often exhibit certain behaviors or attitudes that make them stand out. Whether it’s their inability to adapt or their rigid thinking, these subtle low IQ symptoms say a lot.

Today, we are going to do a deep dive into the 9 unusual signs of low intelligence that might surprise you—because intelligence isn’t just about getting straight A’s.

Related:

Up Next

How Sleep affects Your Mental Health

The quality and amount of sleep play a huge role in the mental health and mood of an individual.

Even just one night of inadequate sleep can heighten one’s stress level. Constant lack of sleep and chronic sleep deprivation can alter a person’s disposition and may even lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. In fact, a lot of research is now establishing links between insomnia and depression and how the two can interchangeably affect each other.

Sleep and mental health are broad and complex topics that still need further research to be able to fully grasp and comprehend well about them. All the same, the more we dig deeper w

Up Next

A Letter For Those Who Don’t Understand Chronic Illness

A Letter for those who don’t understand chronic illness.

Dear people who don’t understand autoimmune disease or Chronic Illness:

I know people that have an autoimmune disease and chronic illness. They seem fine on the outside, but that’s what they want you to see because they have a fear of being judged and misunderstood.

However, in reality, people that deal with these issues may be people who are dealing with diet restrictions. Perhaps they have to go to many doctors to deal with managing pain. They may not be able to do the things that we take for granted.

I personally believe if you have an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic ill

Up Next

Unlocking The Pain Of The Past: 10 Signs Of Repressed Childhood Trauma In Adults

Ever find yourself reacting strongly to situations and not quite sure why? Either you hear echoes of your past, or it’s probably because you listen to your inner child. In this article, we’re delving into the signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults – those subtle whispers from your younger self that can shape your present.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});