Imposter syndrome — the persistent fear of being 'found out' as less capable than others believe — frequently co-occurs with and amplifies chronic illness.
The Chronic Illness-Imposter Syndrome Cycle
- Chronic Illness undermines confidence, making imposter thoughts more frequent and believable
- Imposter syndrome creates chronic self-doubt that worsens chronic illness
- Overwork and perfectionism (imposter coping strategies) deplete resources needed to manage chronic illness
Who Gets Imposter Syndrome with Chronic Illness?
Imposter syndrome is most common in high achievers and in people from underrepresented groups in their field. It's particularly prevalent in academic and professional contexts where chronic illness is also common.
Breaking the Chronic Illness-Imposter Cycle
- Keep an evidence file: Document compliments, successes, positive feedback
- Separate feelings from facts: Feeling like an imposter doesn't make you one
- Normalize it: Imposter syndrome is nearly universal among high achievers
- Therapy: CBT effectively addresses both imposter syndrome and chronic illness