Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome, we know it is a growing issue for our young people, and if left unaddressed can develop into a mental health concern, but what is it?

Put simply, Imposter Syndrome is feeling like a fraud. You can’t take pride in, or enjoy your achievements because you just don’t believe you deserve them. Your hard work, progress and success can be evident to everyone around you, but you are unable to appreciate or celebrate them for fear of exposure as a ‘fraud’ and the subsequent rejection.

Self-doubt is nothing new and can actually help us reflect and improve, it helps us to assess our performance and seek reassurance and support where it is needed. So, why is Imposter Syndrome so damaging? Well, unlike self-doubt, Imposter Syndrome is no fleeting feeling and has no practical qualities.

For many young people experiencing it, Imposter Syndrome will pass once the pressure of a situation has eased or they have removed themselves from the problematic environment. However, if these negative feelings are internalised and ‘bottled up ‘with no release or outlet, they could evolve and develop into low self-esteem, anxiety or depression.

What can we do to help young people experiencing Imposter Syndrome? There is no clear cut answer to this question, but here are four small actions that we can take to help support anyone who is facing it:

1. Practise Active Listening – Let them talk to you, let them explain how they are feeling without fear of judgement or consequences.
2. Honesty– It might sound simple, but taking the time to share an experience where you have doubted yourself and how you overcame it, might be just what they need to hear.
3. Changing the Channel – It is so important to use positive language, especially when we are speaking to ourselves. If you wouldn’t say it to your friend, why would you say it to yourself? Changing your internal ‘channel’ from negative to positive will have a huge impact.
4. Encouraging Reflection – Help them to form an objective reflection of their work, their achievements and their efforts. Encourage them to listen to their friends and teachers opinions of them, and their academic abilities to try and disrupt the negative self-evaluations.

If you would like to know more about how to support your students with ‘changing the channel’ and supporting their ability to reflect, please take a look at our Positive Mindset workshop. Positive Mindset has been specifically designed to introduce young people to some ideas, theories and techniques all based on how to think more positively, realistically and objectively.

If you are concerned about a young person and the impact that Imposter Syndrome may be having on their mental health, please be sure to report this to your designated safeguarding lead. You can also contact Young Minds for some advice and support regarding any mental health concerns.

The MADE Training Team