14 signs you have imposter syndrome – and how to deal with it What is imposter syndrome? Have you ever found yourself wondering how you got to your current position in work or how you ended up with such a great family? Have you ever thought that if people knew the “real” you, they wouldn’t like you? Have you ever found yourself worrying about being “found out” even though you’re not being deceitful? If so, you might have a common mental health issue called imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is when a person doubts their abilities, feels like a fraud, and believes their accomplishments are due to luck rather than their own skill, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist. Although it’s not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the gold standard for diagnosable psychiatric conditions, experts do recognise it as a deep-seated insecurity that can have a big impact not only on a person’s career but also their personal life and relationships. They may fear they are unworthy of good things and may worry constantly about being “found out” or unmasked and then losing it all, says A.J. Marsden, PhD, an assistant professor of human services and psychology. All of this fear can lead to long-term conditions, like depression and anxiety. The anxiety that comes with imposter syndrome can cause a person to overcompensate or develop obsessive-compulsive behaviours. Chronic anxiety takes a real toll on physical health as well. There’s a chance you’re thinking, “Hey, that sounds like me.” Imposter syndrome happens to the best of us. “It is not uncommon to occasionally experience moments of imposter syndrome,” says Marsden. “In fact, about 70 percent of people experience it at some point in their lives.” Sometimes these feelings are triggered by an overly critical boss or loved one, but imposter syndrome can also happen on its own in people who are already unsure of themselves.