Impostor Syndrome and Failure are phenomena that gravely affect the mental health of students in the healthcare sector. This article focuses on how students can cope.
Impostor syndrome is falsely believing that one is inferior to others based on fear of failure or disappointment. This is not an uncommon phenomenon amongst health care students, and I have personally experienced it on many levels of my medical school journey. Whether it be during class when others seemingly know answers you’re oblivious to when exam results are released and you’ve performed poorly compared to your study group, or on those days that your confidence isn’t as strong as other days; sometimes we feel like we don’t belong. We’re groomed into perfection and mistakes are harshly criticized. We glorify achievement and success but we hide our disappointments from others because of the crippling fear of ridicule and embarrassment.
With the advent of the social media era, these phenomena have worsened. Imperfections have seemingly been blurred overnight as people post their best side at all times. The best poses, the biggest smiles, and the biggest achievements. We’re often deceived into believing this façade of perfection without a single stumble or obstacle. Suddenly, our own appearances and achievements appear dull in comparison to others, leading a lot of us to the belief that we are alone and inferior to others. So how do we fight back against this feeling of defeat, especially after a recent failure?
Give yourself a break!
After a major disappointment or mistake, we tend to say negative things to ourselves; whether out loud or mentally. Self-compassion is the most important tool in combating disappointments. Try using positive statements in place of pessimistic ones. For example:
Instead of saying:
“I failed this exam. I’m the dumbest person in my class. I obviously don’t belong in this program”
Try saying:
“This disappointment is hurtful BUT I am smart and I have potential. I just need to work on changing my approach to the content”
This alternative statement still acknowledges the disappointment but shines a positive light on future possibilities for improvement. Regular affirmations can also be very helpful. The use of positive reinforcement has an unconscious effect. Every morning, try saying:
Things may not get better immediately, but the more you say these positive words, the more these encouragements will circle your subconscious mind. Things may seem dim, but you can do this!
Remind yourself of past achievements!
Failure often causes us to lose sight of everything we’ve achieved prior to that moment. We begin to feel like everything is crashing around us when that’s not necessarily true. Placing visual reminders of the hard work you put into your past accomplishments in your surroundings can be encouraging during a spiral of negativity. Try putting pictures of the moment you’re most proud of above your study desk, on the inner cover of your daily planner, or as the lockscreen of your phone. Past achievements can remind you that your worth is not tied to one experience or examination. You will live to succeed another day.
Reassess your study practices!
Failure doesn’t mean that you’re unintelligent. Time management is a key determining factor in the outcome of our examinations. Tools such as written daily planners, Trello, and Google Calendar can assist you in scheduling your study time effectively at the beginning of each clerkship or semester. Don’t forget to schedule your breaks and self-care days! It’s important to prioritize relaxation and downtime as well. Be mindful of overworking when reassessing your study schedule. An overwhelmed and tired mind is counterproductive.
Lean on your support system!
Impostor Syndrome’s key attacking point is isolation! It tricks us into believing that no one else is experiencing something remotely similar. However, in my experience, when I finally decided to open up, I realized that many friends and colleagues were experiencing similar things. We were all suffering in silence out of the fear of judgment by others. Don’t bottle it up! Use your discernment to find supportive friends and family members that can pull you through this tough time of self-doubt. Counseling is also an option if you wish to preserve your privacy. Be sure to check your local faculty for student support resources as well.
If neither of these options is appealing to you, journaling is an effective tool of catharsis. However, always ensure to end your journal entries on a note of self-affirmation and gratitude. This maintains the beneficial impact of the journal entry and prevents the festering of negativity.
Lastly, Try, Try, Try Again!
It’s okay to stumble. Failure does not define you and it is most definitely not the end of the road. Use this disappointing moment as a springboard to push you forward. You will bounce back! You’re not alone and your feelings are valid. Reach out to a peer or mentor if you need support.
About TeHilla
Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, TeHilla Paul is a 4th-year medical student at The University of the West Indies Mona, Jamaica. In her free time, she enjoys creating looks for her makeup page, managing her business, listening to music, and going on adventures. She aspires to be an Ophthalmologist but intends to pursue Philanthropy and Project Management as her main spheres of operation.
_________________________
Want to make the most of your studying strengths? Osmosis Prime is built for healthcare students who want to reach their full potential. Join today!
Leave a Reply