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The Connection Between ADHD and Imposter Syndrome

User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 February 17th, 2023

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Many adults (and kids) with ADHD have trouble accepting positive feedback about themselves. Maybe you feel like an imposter. You wonder if you truly deserve any validation or acknowledgment when good things happen. If any of these statements are true, you probably struggle with imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome reflects feeling like a fraud or a phony. It comes from a sense of insecurity in your awareness or hovering just below the surface.

Imposter syndrome intensifies your vulnerabilities while denying you the satisfaction derived from efforting and engagement. You have strengths and challenges like everybody else. The problem is the struggle to hold onto your successes long enough to believe in your abilities and nurture a sense of inner pride.

When you acknowledge your wins, regardless of size or importance, you are laying kryptonite at the feet of the imposter beast. When you pay equal if not more attention to things that go well, things that you enjoy, and things that you are good at, you weaken this pattern even more. It’s about shifting your perspective from what’s wrong and not enough about you to celebrating what is positive and good enough.

Accept it if someone pays you a compliment—don’t deflect it. Say “thank you.” Start to counter the voice of the inner critic by strengthening your inner ally. Lastly, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of validating traits about yourself that are separate from what you do–traits about who you are: warm, funny, smart, spontaneous, generous, and kind. There’s a lot right with you so take the time to notice, honor, and hold onto those things today.

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:
Have you struggled with Imposter syndrome?

#ADHD #ImposterSyndrome #Coping #Mentalhealth



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User Profile: SleepyShyCat
SleepyShyCat February 17th, 2023

@comfortableNight4463

Thanks for another good post, I know imposter syndrome is something a lot of people can relate to, myself included.

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP February 18th, 2023

@SleepyShyCat You're most welcome! I'm glad you liked the post. I hope it gets better for you!

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User Profile: AmintaBlack
AmintaBlack February 21st, 2023

@comfortableNight4463 Such a lovely post! I think this is a great topic to discuss since so many of us silently struggle with this. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight!

1 reply
User Profile: comfortableNight4463
comfortableNight4463 OP February 21st, 2023

@AmintaBlack I agree, it's not talked about often. I hope more awareness is spread on this. Thank you for reading!

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