Ever feel like you’re living someone else’s life and you’re moments away from being “found out”? Imposter syndrome is like living with a shadow version of yourself who whispers, “You don’t really belong here.” This feeling doesn’t just show up in workplaces or classrooms; it seeps into close relationships, new cities, and moments of celebration where joy should come easily but somehow doesn’t.

Imposter syndrome is more than a fleeting feeling. Studies show that it disproportionately affects marginalized communities. If you’re navigating life within the diaspora — balancing multiple cultural expectations while living in an increasingly polarized United States — imposter syndrome can be amplified by the intersections of your identities. You’re not only battling your inner critic, but external messages that sometimes tell you, “You don’t belong here.”

Therapists like me view imposter syndrome through the lens of attachment theory. If you grew up with inconsistent or insecure attachments, your sense of safety and worth might feel shaky. Add moving to a new place or feeling culturally out of sync, and you’ve got a recipe for chronic self-doubt.

So, what can you do about it?

• Name the feeling: Give your imposter syndrome a persona (mine’s named “Questioning Varsha: A persona representing the part that constantly second-guesses your abilities, choices, and identity”). When it creeps up, recognize it for what it is — a visitor, a scared part of you; not your core truth.
• Anchor yourself in facts: Remind yourself of your accomplishments, the work you’ve done, and the relationships you’ve built. Ask trusted friends or family members for perspective when your mind starts spinning stories.
• Community is key: When you feel like an outsider, find other outsiders. Shared experiences can lessen shame and isolation. The more we normalize these feelings, the less power they hold over us.
• Reflect with compassion: Ask yourself, “What would I say to a friend feeling this way?” Offer yourself the same grace.

In a world where uncertainty, judgment, and fear can feel like constant companions, we need these strategies to find our footing. Imposter syndrome is a part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to define the destination. You do belong. You are enough. And there’s a map to help guide you.