7 Symptoms That Help Identify Imposter Syndrome

Do you know what imposter syndrome is? She is very connected with insecurity and self-sabotage. Psychologist Daisa Ferreira Tigre (CRP: 08/31057) clarified the main doubts about the problem, how to identify and treat it. To check it out, just keep reading!

What is imposter syndrome

The psychologist Daisa says that the imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that makes some people feel incapable of making positive achievements in life. In this way, the individual fails to recognize his own accomplishments and believes that his success came from something external such as luck or that someone else accomplished it. The person fantasizes that he is incapable, thus, he lives in fear that someone will discover the fake he is.

The syndrome mainly affects the work area, but not only it, also harming romantic relationships and social coexistence. “This phenomenon is linked to low self-esteem and the construction of a false image about oneself. It is common that at times when we have low self-esteem we devalue ourselves, but in the case of this syndrome she cannot see herself conquering or deserving something at any time”, points out the psychologist.

How to identify imposter syndrome

The only way to effectively identify a psychological disorder is with the opinion of a psychology professional, so don’t hesitate to seek help. Also, researching the subject is a good idea. The psychologist Daisa listed the main symptoms of this syndrome. Take a look:

• Constant self-depreciation and self-sabotage: Generally, those who suffer from this disorder tend to not feel confident and devalue everything they do.
• Intense Anxieties: Feeling anxious is also one of the symptoms of imposter syndrome.
• Procrastination: Procrastination is common in the routine of an individual with imposter syndrome, which may be related to self-sabotage.
• Pessimism: since nothing a person does is enough, the feeling of pessimism is frequent.
• Fear of being discovered: Another symptom indicated by Daisa is the constant fear of being discovered as an imposter.
• Low self-esteem: problems with self-esteem are one of the symptoms and also the causes of the syndrome.
• Isolation: Isolation is common for those who suffer from this disorder, as the tendency is to self-sabotage.

“In some cases this person may be in a depressive condition”, points out the psychologist. Be careful and always seek the help of a professional!

Tips for better coping with imposter syndrome

The first attitude to deal with the syndrome, according to Daisa, “is to perceive it and accept it, which is very challenging, because the subject often refuses, because the view he has about himself is very real.” In addition, it is necessary to seek help from a qualified professional for this work. Otherwise, it is possible to increase the fantasy that one is incapable by wrong treatment. An important tip is also not to isolate yourself and read about the subject, after all, information is always a good way.

Is there treatment for imposter syndrome?

The syndrome can be treated with psychological counseling and, in some cases, in conjunction with psychiatric follow-up. “Psychological follow-up of a psychoanalytic nature aims to help this subject to rebuild a good image about himself, which was not able to be developed in his life, leaving a false ‘self’, that is, the negative fantasy about his own image”, mentions the psychologist.

What to do when we identify someone with imposter syndrome?

The main help that friends and family can provide, in the words of Daisa, is to “encourage the subject to seek psychological support”. But, in everyday life, the ideal is to avoid statements that prove to the subject that he is incapable. Do not agree when the individual says that some achievement was not on his own merit or that he is incapable of some victory.

Policing yourself so as not to take the place of being responsible for her or his achievements is also important, as the person with the imposter syndrome will try to place the responsibility for their merits on third parties, that is, the people with whom they live.

Imposter syndrome is a serious disorder that needs to be treated with caution and responsibility by those around you. For this, learn more about the importance of affective responsibility!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.