How to Tell if You Have Imposter Syndrome

Experiencing imposter syndrome can be an anxiety-inducing and self-doubt-filled experience. You may feel...

Anxiety
March 21, 2025

Experiencing imposter syndrome can be an anxiety-inducing and self-doubt-filled experience.

You may feel like you're constantly in danger of being exposed as a fraud, or that your accomplishments are due to luck rather than skill.

However, you should know that imposter syndrome is very common, and there are ways to cope with the anxiety.

f you're worried that you might be feeling imposter syndrome, there are some key signs to look out for.  

Sign #1: You Are Constantly Doubting Yourself

If you find yourself second-guessing your abilities or accomplishments regularly, it could be a sign that you have imposter syndrome.

You may feel like you're in over your head, or that you're not as competent as others think you are.

This self-doubt can be extremely crippling and can prevent you from taking risks or pursuing new opportunities.

You might question your abilities, second-guess your decisions, and feel like you're just winging it most of the time.

This can be extremely frustrating and lead to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.

If you find yourself doubting yourself regularly, it's worth considering whether imposter syndrome may be to blame.  

a person leading a meeting group

Sign #2: You Are Perfectionistic

Another common sign of imposter syndrome is perfectionism.

If you're never satisfied with your performance and always feel like you could have done better, this could be a sign that you're experiencing imposter syndrome.

Perfectionism is often born out of a fear of failure, which is another common symptom of imposter syndrome.

If you're struggling with imposter syndrome, know that you're not alone.

Many high-achievers suffer from this condition. But there are ways to overcome it. seek out professional help, build a support network of positive people, and practice self-compassion.

With the right tools, you can overcome imposter syndrome and achieve your goals. Some things you can say to yourself are to help with your imposter syndrome are:

  • "I am capable"
  • "I am competent"
  • "I am valuable"
  • "I am not my mistakes"
  • "I can learn from my mistakes and grow"
  • "I am enough"

These things will help you remember that even though you might have imposter syndrome, it does not mean that you are not good enough.

You are still capable and you can still achieve great things.

Just because you might have imposter syndrome does not mean that you should give up on your dreams.

Remember to be kind to yourself, and keep moving forward.

Sign #3: You Are Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others

One of the most common signs of imposter syndrome is constantly comparing yourself to others.

If you find yourself feeling inferior to others or like you're not as successful as they are, you may be going through imposter syndrome.

This sense of comparison can be extremely damaging and can prevent you from enjoying your own accomplishments.

It's important to remember that everyone experiences imposter syndrome in their own way.

Just because someone else seems to have it together, doesn't mean that they don't also suffer from self-doubt and feelings of fraudulence.

If you find yourself constantly comparing yourself to others, try to focus on your own accomplishments and progress.

This can help you feel more confident in your own abilities and remind you that you're not alone in feeling like an imposter.

Sign #4: You Feel Like You're Always 'Faking it Until You Make It'

If you find yourself feeling like you're just faking it until you make it, this could be a sign of imposter syndrome.

This usually happens when we compare our behind-the-scenes self to the persona we project to the world.

For example, you might feel like a fraud when you're giving a presentation at work, even though you've prepared extensively and know your material inside out.

Or, you might feel like you're just faking it when you're socializing with friends, even though you've been doing it your whole life.

This discrepancy between how we see ourselves and how we present ourselves to the world can be a sign of imposter syndrome.

If you find yourself feeling like you're just faking it, try to focus on the positive feedback you've received from others.

This can help you feel more confident in your abilities and remind you that you're not actually faking it.

words that say dream big

Sign #5: You Feel Like You Don't Deserve Your Success

One of the most common signs of imposter syndrome is feeling like you don't deserve your success.

If you've achieved something great, but you can't seem to enjoy it or feel proud of yourself, this could be a sign of imposter syndrome.

This is because those with imposter syndrome often feel like they don't deserve their success or like they're not good enough.

If you find yourself feeling like you don't deserve your success, try to remind yourself of all the hard work you've put in to get where you are. This can help you feel more deserving of your success and remind you that you've earned it.

Sign #6: You're Always Worried About Being Found Out

One of the most common fears of those with imposter syndrome is being found out.

This is the fear that, someday, someone will realize that you're not as great as they think you are.

This fear can be paralyzing and can prevent you from taking risks or trying new things.

If you find yourself always worrying about being found out, try to focus on the positive feedback you've received from others.

This can help you feel more confident in your abilities and remind you that you're not actually faking it.

Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you find yourself experiencing any of these signs on a regular basis, it's important to seek professional help if needed.

Imposter syndrome can be a debilitating condition, but with the right help, it is possible to overcome it.

If you think you might have imposter syndrome, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help.

Disclaimer

The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Conclusion

If you find yourself experiencing any of these signs regularly, it's important to seek professional help if needed.

Imposter syndrome can be a debilitating condition, but with the right help, it is possible to overcome the anxiety.

If you think you might be experiencing imposter syndrome, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for help.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Anxiety

Why is it important to address anxiety?

Addressing anxiety is crucial because it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to more severe mental health issues, relationship problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

What other activities are beneficial for reducing anxiety symptoms?

Other activities which have been found helpful in reducing both immediate feelings of anxiousness and long-term anxieties associated with chronic disorders include yoga, journaling, nature walks, art therapy, volunteering, and other low-stress activities. Additionally, developing a healthy lifestyle incorporating adequate sleep, physical activity, and nutritious meals can help reduce overall stress levels.

Will medication help with my anxiety?

Medication is often prescribed for anxiety due to the fact that it works quickly to ease symptoms of distress or panic attacks in some cases. However, this should always be discussed with your doctor so they can provide guidance on what's right for you and the type of medication best suited for your needs.

How do I know if my therapist is a good fit for me?

It's important that you feel comfortable discussing personal matters with your therapist in order to open up and get more out of therapy sessions; therefore finding someone who meets certain criteria like experience level, expertise areas, and personality is key when selecting a therapist who can give meaningful feedback about how best handle issues related to anxiety or other mental health concerns.

What can I do to reduce my anxiety?

To reduce your anxiety, you can practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. Additionally, regular exercise has been found to be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental health.

Are there specific therapy services for anxiety and depression covered by Medicaid?

Yes, Medicaid provides insurance coverage for therapy services specifically designed to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Access to licensed therapists who specialize in these areas is available within the Medicaid network.