Imposter Syndrome is real. Here’s how to deal with it

How to spot signs of imposter syndrome: 

Founder and Chief Executive Martin Preston from Delamere Health Cheshire says:

“imposter syndrome is an internal experience of believing that you’re an inadequate and incompetent failure, despite your accomplishments. Individuals often doubt their skills, talents and achievements and have a consistent fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’.

For many, the coronavirus pandemic has sparked feelings of loneliness and isolation, exacerbating the prominent mental health issues among individuals in the UK. Changes to the day-to-day work life, means employees are receiving less social support.

The diminution of colleague interaction during the pandemic may have intensified feelings of inadequacy and a lack of belonging. These feeling have been dubbed imposter syndrome and there are several key signs to show that you are suffering.”

1. You feel like a ‘fraud’

Those suffering from imposter syndrome, experience constant self-doubt, this usually comes in the form of anxiety. They begin to take on the feeling of an imposter, in the workplace and have a constant fear of being exposed by other colleagues.

2. Comparing yourself to others

Imposter syndrome can influencer individuals to compare themselves to others in the workplace. This can also be recognised in day-to-day life, with those suffering experiencing a feeling that others have a happier life, are more confident and more successful.

3. Find criticism hard to manage 

Are you very sensitive to even the smallest criticism? This is one of the most predominant signs of imposter syndrome and is extremely common during the pandemic.

Individuals become extremely anxious and defensive when a colleague or employer gives any form of criticism. Those suffering, often take the criticism personally and feel ashamed.

4. Working overtime

It’s incredibly difficult for someone with imposter syndrome to create a work-life balance. Instead of working traditional hours, they find themselves working for longer periods of time, taking on extra work and over-preparing.

5. Perfectionism 

Those experiencing imposter syndrome often refuse to accept any less than perfection. They frequently set high goals and work hard towards them. Being a perfectionist can help create high-quality work, but in excess, it can prevent you from being productive.

How to deal with imposter syndrome: 

Imposter syndrome is a growing concern across the UK, with searches increasing by 385% since the first lockdown hit. We’ve asked Martin Preston, how individuals suffering can overcome and deal with the symptoms.

Founder and Chief Executive Martin Preston from Delamere Health Cheshire says:

“Removing these negative feelings and doubts isn’t something that happens overnight. First things first, talk to those around you about how you are feeling. These irrational thoughts tend to grow when they are hidden and not talked about with others.

These traits tend to be hard to spot, but if you know someone close is suffering from imposter syndrome, reach out and create an open conversation about your feelings. Trying to help others facing the same challenges can help build confidence in your own abilities.

Beginning to accept that everyone is working towards a different goal, with different abilities and achievements will create an opportunity for self-growth. Consistently comparing yourself to others who you believe to be higher-achieving, will only leave you feeling demotivated, create low self-esteem and satisfaction in your own accomplishments.

Use hard facts and figures to analyse your own performance, both within work-life and externally. It’s easy for individuals to judge there own self-worth on how much others have achieved, but doing so will overshadow their own progress. Create a progress tracker, to monitor the achievements that you are proud of and record the positive feedback you receive. This small step will help you challenge the feelings of inadequacy.

Learning to take constructive criticism onboard is a crucial part of overcoming imposter syndrome. Firstly, remember how beneficial it is for your personal development to receive feedback and think about how you can use this criticism to improve your work. Ask questions to expand your knowledge on the response and express your appreciation for the person’s feedback and time.

Use the negative feelings developed from imposter syndrome for your own advantage. Don’t fight the feelings of inadequacy and a lack of belonging. Once you acknowledge and accept these negative emotions, you can start to use them to find the source of the issue that is holding you back.

As the feelings of negativity creep in, question whether your thoughts are irrational. The key is to separate feelings from fact and refuse to let these negative thoughts hold you back.”

More information on “Imposter Syndrome” can be found here: https://delamere.com/