Self-Management of Depression

Impostor syndrome, also called impostor phenomenon, involves highly accomplished and successful individuals who, paradoxically, believe they are frauds destined to be exposed and fail. Originally identified among a group of female college students with outstanding grades and test scores, many of these students felt their achievements were merely the result of luck or error. Subsequent research revealed that impostor feelings affect both men and women and that early family conflict and insufficient parental support can significantly contribute to this self-perception (American Psychological Association, 2018). Here are seven ways to overcome the feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt associated with impostor syndrome. 1. Name your inner critic: The voice of impostor syndrome is your inner critic, sowing the seeds of self-doubt. This inner critic, like a broken record, irrationally makes you underestimate your capabilities. Although it may seem to be arguing in your best interest, it thri...

What is Recovery? The dominance of the medical model in mental health often reduces recovery to merely reaching a certain score on rating scales like the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which is commonly used to measure depression. This narrow perspective overlooks other vital aspects of recovery beyond clinical response, as shown by many studies (Andresen et al., 2003; Jorge-Monteiro & Ornelas, 2015). Some of these overlooked facets of recovery include: Hope for the future. Re-establishment of a positive identity. Establishment of personally meaningful goals. Taking responsibility for one’s life. Feeling included and connected to others. Feeling empowered. Contributing to community life. Building on this broader understanding, recovery involves managing one’s mental illness, transcending its negative impacts, and striving for a meaningful life. The concept of recovery can vary among individuals, and some common expressions people use to describe their recovery include the ...