You’ve probably heard of imposter syndrome, but did you know that it can seriously affect people with ADHD? Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt and unworthiness, and it’s something that many people struggle with at some point in their lives.
For people with ADHD, imposter syndrome can be especially tough to deal with. This is because ADHD is often misunderstood and misrepresented. Many people see ADHD as a disorder that makes someone “less than” or incapable of succeeding. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In this article, we’ll discuss how imposter syndrome affects those with ADHD, and we’ll offer some tips for how to deal with these feelings.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a belief that one is not as skilled or intelligent as others believe them to be. It’s also known as the impostor phenomenon, or fraud syndrome.
People with ADHD are especially prone to impostor syndrome. This is because ADHD can make it difficult to recognize your accomplishments. You may feel like you’re constantly faking it, and that one day someone will realize you’re not as smart or capable as they thought.
High-achieving people who struggle to recognize their accomplishments are said to have impostor syndrome. If this sounds like you, know that you’re not alone. Millions of people experience impostor syndrome at some point in their lives.
How Does Imposter Syndrome Interact With ADHD?
You may feel like you’re the only one who struggles with ADHD. You may feel like you’re the only one who feels like a fraud. You’re not alone.
People with ADHD often feel like impostors. We struggle to keep up the facade of being perfect, of being competent and capable. We hide our difficulties from public view, because we don’t want anyone to know that we’re not as together as we seem.
We feel like frauds because we know that we’re not meeting our own expectations. We know that we’re not living up to our potential, and that’s a tough thing to face every day. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are others out there who understand what you’re going through, and there are ways to manage ADHD and Imposter Syndrome.
The Different Ways in Which Imposter Syndrome Manifests in Those With ADHD
You may feel like you’re always one step behind, like you’re not smart enough or capable enough to do the job. You may doubt your achievements and feel like a fraud. You might be a perfectionist, always seeking to do things perfectly – even if that’s an impossible goal.
How to Deal With Imposter Syndrome if You Have ADHD
- Talk to a counselor about your feelings
- Find a support group for people with imposter syndrome
- Read books or articles about imposter syndrome
- Make a list of your accomplishments and refer to it when you’re feeling down
- Talk to someone you trust about your imposter syndrome
- Write down your thoughts and feelings about imposter syndrome
- Find a hobby or activity that makes you feel good about yourself
- Be kind to yourself and give yourself credit when you deserve it
- Avoid comparing yourself to others
- Seek professional help if your imposter syndrome is affecting your life in a negative way
FAQs About Imposter Syndrome and ADHD
How common is imposter syndrome? While imposter syndrome can affect anyone, it is more common in people with ADHD. It is estimated that up to 70% of people with ADHD experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives.
What causes imposter syndrome? There is no one cause of imposter syndrome. However, it is often thought to be caused by a combination of factors, such as having low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a fear of failure.
How can I overcome imposter syndrome? There are many ways to overcome imposter syndrome. Some helpful tips include building self-confidence, accepting compliments, and setting realistic goals.
Stop Negative Self-Talk
When you have ADHD, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts about yourself. Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this.”
These thoughts can lead to the feeling of being an imposter. After all, if you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?
But it’s important to remember that these thoughts aren’t based on reality. They’re based on how you’re thinking about yourself, and that can be changed. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be helpful in balancing thinking and recognizing negative self-talk.
Conclusion
Living with ADHD can make you feel like you’re always faking it, like you don’t really know what you’re doing. You may feel like you’re pretending to be someone you’re not.
But you’re not alone. There are plenty of other people who live with ADHD and imposter syndrome. You can find support from others who understand what you’re going through.
You’re not a fraud – you have ADHD and that’s okay. You can cope with imposter syndrome and be successful anyway.
Neurodiverge
