Schizophrenia Imposter Syndrome - Self-Reflection
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Hi everyone! I'm Stephen. In this walk-and-talk schizophrenia, I describe two times after falling ill with schizophrenia when I felt like I was faking an illness so I could avoid going to school. In the social context, this type of internal feeling is occasionally called "imposter syndrome." One common characteristic of imposter syndrome is self-doubt. I doubted myself and thought that I might be faking my illness. But I know now that this was just an inaccurate feeling.
Introduction
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual doubts their accomplishments, experiences, or abilities and fears being exposed as a "fraud." While it is commonly associated with high-achieving individuals in professional settings, it can also manifest in other areas of life, including mental health. Here, we will explore the relationship between imposter syndrome and schizophrenia, focusing on Stephen's experience of feeling like he was faking his illness. We will also discuss the role of self-doubt in the development of imposter syndrome and how it can be addressed.
Imposter Syndrome and Schizophrenia: A Personal Account
In this walk-and-talk schizophrenia video, Stephen shares his experience of living with schizophrenia and feeling as though he was faking his illness. This internal struggle, characterized by the belief that he was fabricating his illness, manifests as imposter syndrome.
The Role of Self-Doubt in Imposter Syndrome
Self-doubt is a central feature of imposter syndrome. It can cause individuals to question their abilities, experiences, and mental health. In schizophrenia, self-doubt can exacerbate the challenges of living with the disorder. The individual in the video realized later that their feelings of faking their illness were unfounded, highlighting the complex relationship between imposter syndrome and schizophrenia.
Research on Imposter Syndrome in Schizophrenia
There is limited research specifically examining the intersection of imposter syndrome and schizophrenia. However, studies on imposter syndrome in general populations and related concepts in schizophrenia can provide valuable insights.
Imposter syndrome in the general population: Research has shown that imposter syndrome is prevalent among high-achieving individuals and can lead to decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
Negative self-concept in schizophrenia: Studies have found that individuals with schizophrenia often experience a negative self-concept characterized by low self-esteem and self-efficacy. This negative self-concept may contribute to feelings of imposter syndrome in those with the disorder.
Self-stigma in schizophrenia: Self-stigma refers to internalizing societal stigma surrounding mental illness. Individuals with schizophrenia may experience self-stigma, which can contribute to feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Schizophrenia
Although research on imposter syndrome in schizophrenia is limited, several strategies may help individuals overcome feelings of self-doubt and address imposter syndrome:
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, such as those associated with imposter syndrome.
Support groups: Joining support groups for individuals with schizophrenia can provide a safe space to share experiences, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote a more accurate understanding of the disorder.
Self-compassion: Practicing self-compassion can help individuals recognize and accept their feelings without judgment, allowing them to cultivate a more positive self-concept.
Education: Learning more about schizophrenia and its symptoms can help individuals understand their experiences and challenge the notion that they are "faking" their illness.
Conclusion
The interplay between imposter syndrome and schizophrenia highlights the complex nature of living with a mental health disorder. By understanding the role of self-doubt and recognizing the signs of imposter syndrome, individuals with schizophrenia can take steps to address these challenges and foster a more positive self-concept. Through interventions such as psychotherapy, support groups, self-compassion, and education, those affected can build resilience and better understand their experiences, ultimately contributing to improved mental health outcomes and a greater sense of self-worth.
#schizophrenia #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression
Anosognosia is a real condition. And so is imposter syndrome. Believe me Stephen, in my 32 year career in the FDNY there were more than a few times that I felt like an imposter. That said, I really enjoy your videos and your unique perspective on things. You have a lot to offer. Keep posting!
Thank you Paul!
Glad to hear you're feeling better. I also enjoyed your thoughtful video. So many people who experience illness often don't allow themselves to be ill. And that guilt or doubt probably makes it all harder. Your series here has so much insight. It's an example of the best that the internet can provide--personal content that both informs and connects people and builds a wider community.
Thank you very much, Casey!
Thank you, Casey, for these informative and gracious comments!
Nice to see you again Stephen. Glad you're understanding better about your illness. It's good to see you out and about. Fresh air is so good for you! My son is in the hospital now. Hopefully he will get the right help. He's had some pretty dark days lately. I wish you the best.
I am sorry to hear that your son is in the hospital. I hope he gets better soon.
Thank you very much.
Stephen, you are an amazing story teller, brave, bright. Keep sharing your story, it's brilliant! You also look so happy when you are out in nature.
Thank you very much!
I have BPD (borderline personality disorder) and before i was diagnosed at 19 i had the same thoughts. I didn't know there was a name for that.
Also I love when you smile it's so stinkin cute and contagious ☺
Thank you Chelsey! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Good to see you back and sounding sharp Stephen. The side effects of medicines are tough especially if you are a bit run down. Never heard of Imposter Syndrome. Good to know. You are gaining great insight. N
Thank you!
Best of luck getting your health back. I wish you peace.
I have schizoaffective disorder and I feel like I faked it when I’ve been stable for a prolonged period. This makes me come off meds as I feel I don’t need them. Then the cycle of becoming unwell starts again. So I’ve promised myself, no matter how much of an imposter I feel, to stay on the meds.
Thank you so much for sharing. Have a happy and healthy rest of your day.
Go boy you will beat it. God bless you
Thank you Almaz!
I feel the same way about my bipolar disorder. I doubt if am bipolar at all or just want to be for some sort of excuse. Then I remember I spent 20 grand on an aquarium before I started taking moodstabilizers, then I remember I've got a family history of it, then I remember the hell my family endured while I was unstabil lol.
Thank you for sharing Clint
Glad you are doing better. Is what your talking about related to thinking you don't need your medication anymore when your feeling better from taking it? This happens a lot.
Good to hear from you,tks for sharing how you feeling,helps to understand my son, keep going ,stay happy and positive god bless you bye
Thank you! Have a happy and healthy rest of your day!
Hope you had a wonderful day Stephen
Thank you Matt!
I‘m shifting between days where I‘m thankfull to be sane again and days where I feel like I fake the condition for attensioe.. It feels like I just imagined the delusions I believed. I get tempted to stop the meds to see what happens. This ilness makes no sense there is no logic no pattern behind it. Its nonsens.
Excellent content! Question: Do you sometimes watch movies in your spare time?
Thank you! I do watch movies but prefer comedy tv shows. I’m currently rewatching Get Smart (the original series)!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia Oh wow, that's great to hear.
Hi Stephen were you able to stay few hours in school ? After getting better ??
Yes I was!
@@SurvivingSchizophrenia do you remember when did that happen how many months after clozapine?? You were able to sit in classroom and focus ??
It seems like an unconscious coping mechanism to me, like you were trying to soothe and distract yourself to feel safe 🤍
You may be right. Thank you for all your support!
I just wanted to echo Stephen's reply. You have given us solid, informative comments and with that a huge amount of personal support! Thank you very much!
@@SchizophreniaSurvivor so glad and grateful to support you. Thank you for your work to both of you! 🤍
Anosognosia is a real condition. That said, imposter syndrome is something many of us deal with from time to time. We’re only human. Stephen, in my 32 year career in the FDNY there were more than a few times that I felt like an imposter.
I really enjoy your videos and and your unique perspective. Keep posting!
@@pauldemic2747 yes, and it's inspiring to watch how in the process of recovery and with external support one is able to gain insight in those aspects... It seems that anosognosia is present in various neurological conditions and other considered mental illnesses. I recently watched a video from Dr. Henry Nasrallah (Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology and Neuroscience) where he discusses how poorly understood has been schizophrenia and how the term itself needs to be reconceptualized.