Imposter syndrome has been a growing issue among university students in recent years as mental health issues have worsened.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a massive decline in the mental health of students of all ages because of the major changes that took place so quickly.
According to the World Health Organization, in the first year of the pandemic, depression and anxiety increased by 25% worldwide.
Among the mental health issues that are so prevalent in our society right now is imposter syndrome. It is especially common among high school and college students.
Many students have their own definitions of imposter syndrome and have expressed how it has made them feel.
Industrial chemistry senior Juan Pablo Morales revealed what imposter syndrome feels like to him.
“Definitely not feeling smart enough,” Morales said. “I also think it makes you doubt a lot of your abilities once you get to the workforce.”
Imposter syndrome is “the persistent inability to believe that one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one’s own efforts or skills.”
Countless college students have, at some point in time, felt inferior to their peers. These feelings are especially prevalent in upper-level classes, where the class material is often more challenging.
Computer information systems junior Vincent Yeboah shared his view of the prevalence of imposter syndrome.
“I think everyone does [experience imposter syndrome] at some point,” Yeboah said.
Many Ferris students have experienced feeling detached from the Ferris community.
Communication studies sophomore Trinity Metsaars reflected on a time when one of her friends shared the same sentiment.
“She did not feel like she belonged at all. Even though she had friends, there just wasn’t that support within the friendship,” Metsaars said.
Her friend ended up leaving college last semester, shortly after having talked about these struggles.
The feeling of “faking it ‘till you make it” is a reality for many students. It appears to some students that others know what they’re doing, but this isn’t necessarily true. Metsaars can attest to that feeling.
“I sometimes feel like I’m the dumbest one. [In class] everyone’s nodding along like they understand and I feel lost,” Metsaars said.
While these feelings of inferiority can be temporary and eventually overcome, it is important to recognize them and take action.
When left unresolved, the intense emotions accompying imposter syndrome can become too much to bear.
Because so many college students have known what it feels like to suffer from imposter syndrome, they are filled with wisdom about what to do when these feelings arise.
“Stay true to yourself and always encourage yourself,” Yeboah said.
While this can be difficult to do, it can be effective. Words of affirmation and taking care of your mental health are extremely important, especially in college.
Imposter syndrome can be an easy trap, especially with the disconnection and social isolation that have become so prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other students, like Morales, offered advice on how to overcome feeling alone in your problems and realize that college is a place to learn, not stay silent when you need help.
“Hear other people,” Morales said. “Something a professor told me once is if you’re struggling, chances are everybody else is struggling, so you’re not the only one.”
According to McLean Hospital, one of the best ways to overcome imposter syndrome is to open up and discuss self-doubt with people you trust.
While imposter syndrome is currently common in college students, there is hope that it won’t be so prevalent in the future.
With the right tools to succeed, such as a good support system and self-care routine, imposter syndrome can become easier to cope with.