How Alyssa Dituro Fought Back Against Imposter Syndrome
Belmont University is dedicating the 2024 Fall semester to highlighting personal accounts from staff and faculty who have successfully navigated mental health challenges.
This initiative aims to foster an atmosphere of understanding and support within the Belmont community, encouraging open dialogue about mental health issues.
The following narrative was submitted by Alyssa Dituro, grants coordinator for the Creative Arts Collective, detailing her struggles with imposter syndrome and how she overcame false feelings of inadequacy.
Briefly share your mental health struggle that prompted you to seek help.
For a long time, I struggled with imposter syndrome where I constantly doubted my abilities and felt like a fraud, even in situations where I had the knowledge and skills to succeed. This feeling was overwhelming, often leading me to believe that any success I achieved was due to luck or others not realizing my perceived incompetence. The anxiety and self-doubt were mentally exhausting, and it became clear that I needed to address these feelings.
What was the impact your struggle had on your daily life, and how did you ultimately decide to reach out for support?
Imposter syndrome impacted my daily life in significant ways. It made it difficult for me to fully engage in my work and personal projects, as I was constantly second-guessing myself. This led to procrastination, avoidance of new opportunities and a general sense of inadequacy that affected my confidence.
The tipping point came when I realized that this persistent self-doubt was not only hindering my growth but also affecting my overall well-being. I decided to reach out for support when I recognized that these thoughts were not going away on their own and that they were negatively impacting my mental health.
Describe the support you received. What sources of help did you receive and what skills/practices did you use?
I sought help from a therapist who specialized in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which was incredibly beneficial in challenging and reframing my negative thought patterns. Additionally, I joined a support group where I connected with others who were experiencing similar struggles, which helped me feel less isolated in my experience.
One of the key practices I learned was mindfulness, which allowed me to stay present and reduce the intensity of my self-critical thoughts. I also began keeping a journal where I documented my achievements and the positive feedback I received, which helped me build a more realistic and positive self-perception.
What are some of the improvements you noticed after reaching out for support?
After reaching out for support, I noticed several improvements. I became more self-aware and better at recognizing when imposter syndrome was creeping in. The negative thoughts didn’t disappear overnight, but I developed healthier ways to manage them. I started to accept compliments and acknowledge my achievements without immediately attributing them to external factors.
My confidence slowly grew, and I became more willing to take on challenges without the constant fear of being exposed as a fraud. Overall, I felt more at ease in my daily life, and my productivity and enjoyment of work increased as I learned to trust my abilities.
Have a Story?
Belmont faculty and staff can submit their stories of overcoming mental health struggles below.