CPTSD in the Workplace: Imposter Syndrome and Armor

In the intricate tapestry of personal and professional growth, imposter syndrome often lurks as an unexpected adversary. It stealthily whispers doubts into the minds of accomplished individuals, casting shadows over their achievements and fostering a persistent fear of being unmasked as a fraud.

In the face of this internal struggle, many trauma survivors turn to the concept of “armor” — a metaphorical shield that individuals craft to protect themselves from the relentless assaults of self-doubt and insecurity.

This blog explores the intricate relationship between imposter syndrome and the armor we construct, delving into the ways people fortify themselves against these inner challenges and, in turn, discover resilience, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace their authentic capabilities.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome refers to an internal experience of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It is marked by a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud” despite evidence of your success and accomplishments. People experiencing imposter syndrome often attribute their achievements to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.

Common signs of imposter syndrome include self-doubt, fear of failure, perfectionism, overworking, and undermining one’s achievements. It can impact various aspects of life, including career, relationships, and personal development.

Can you relate to any of these things? It’s important to recognize that imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, and many successful individuals across different fields have experienced it, so you are not alone.

“Armor”

The biological priority of all humans is safety. For the trauma survivor, experiencing a sense of safety is a fleeting dream. To ensure a sense of safety, especially in the triggering environment of the workplace, survivors often construct conceptual “armor” to protect themselves from triggers, people, toxic work environments, and other threatening situations.

This armor can manifest in different ways, such as heightened vigilance, perfectionism, reluctance to trust others, or an inclination to separate personal and professional lives. Fundamentally, we seek to keep all the bad stuff from hurting our tender hearts.

The benefit of the armor (yes, I said there was a benefit to the armor) is that it does a great job of keeping all the bad things out and creates distance between anything that could potentially hurt us.

Before I started my healing journey, I developed what I conceptualized as titanium armor so that NOTHING could hurt me. I had so much confidence in my armor’s ability to protect me that I would do things that put myself at risk, like running through bad parts of uptown Charlotte alone in the early morning hours.

The downside of armor is that it not only keeps the bad stuff out but also keeps the good stuff out. I was so focused on finding safety that I didn’t realize until I started therapy how lonely I was. Coming out of my armor was one of the first decisions I made in therapy.

We use armor to “cover up” so people won’t know how much we are struggling, how defective we are, or what a loser we are. Somehow, we think people can see through us and know what we’ve been through. Ultimately, it is a mask to keep people from seeing who we truly are on the inside.

The Relationship Between Imposter Syndrome and Armor

Both Imposter Syndrome and Armor are coping mechanisms intended to keep us safe.

Did you know that success can be triggering to people who have experienced trauma? Old messages from times past may sound like, “Who do you think you are? Do you think you are better than everybody else? You were just lucky?” This may result in a sense of shame around success. Does any of that sound familiar?

Someone with Imposter Syndrome has not internalized their accomplishments or achievements despite significant evidence because it is threatening to them. They do not identify with their success because they may have an external locus of control or a perception that the main causes for their success happen outside of their control.

Can you see the space of safety created by dissociating from one’s success? Of course. Remember that the biological priority is safety.

In both cases, there is a fear of being found out, being exposed as inauthentic, or showing up as someone you are not.

I experienced that fear when I first started coming out of my armor. I felt raw and extremely vulnerable, like when a crab sheds its shell. I was afraid of being hurt. I was afraid that people would not like the version of me that was inside the armor. I was afraid that I would not like the version of me that was inside the armor.

Discovering Your Authentic Self

The process of overcoming Imposter Syndrome and coming out of your armor is about getting to know your authentic self in an environment of safety.

Who are you really at the core of your being? Do not be surprised if you don’t have an answer to that question because many trauma survivors have been so focused on securing safety that they have not had a chance to discover their authentic selves.

I do NOT recommend entering into this process alone. We all need a compassionate other to remind us of truth and reflect back to us grace and gentleness, whether it is a therapist, coach, or caring friend. Being in a safe environment with a safe person is highly recommended.

It took me years of therapy before I could pull together the fragmented parts of myself into a cohesive identity and “own” my skills, gifts, and achievements.

I am actually at the point where I like and appreciate the person I am and have become. I am proud of the work I’ve done to get to this place.

My heart’s desire is for all of you to experience what it feels like to embrace your whole self as the unique being that God lovingly crafted.

Strategies for Discovering Your Authentic Self

Discovering your authentic self involves a gradual and often multifaceted approach that builds resilience, fosters self-acceptance, and embraces authentic capabilities. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

1. Therapeutic Support: Seeking therapy with a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, can provide a safe space to explore and process trauma-related experiences. Therapists can offer guidance on building resilience and addressing imposter syndrome.
2. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Practices like mindfulness and self-reflection can help trauma survivors become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, can promote self-acceptance and reduce the impact of negative self-talk.
3. Positive Affirmations: Incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines can help challenge and reframe negative beliefs. Encouraging oneself with affirmations that highlight strengths and accomplishments can contribute to a more positive self-perception.
4. Set Realistic Goals: Establishing achievable and realistic goals can build a sense of accomplishment. Breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks can make the path to success more tangible and less overwhelming.
5. Cultivate a Supportive Network: Surrounding oneself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues can provide validation and encouragement. Sharing experiences with trusted individuals can contribute to a sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
6. Professional Development and Skill Building: Invest in continuous learning and skill development. By focusing on acquiring and honing skills, trauma survivors can build confidence in their abilities and recognize their expertise in specific areas.
7. Acknowledge and Challenge Negative Thoughts: Developing awareness of negative thought patterns associated with imposter syndrome is crucial. Once recognized, survivors can challenge these thoughts by providing evidence of their achievements and capabilities.
8. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate personal and professional successes, no matter how small. Reflecting on achievements reinforces a positive self-image and helps counteract imposter syndrome.
9. Advocate for Workplace Support: Trauma survivors may benefit from workplace accommodations or support. Advocating for an inclusive and understanding work environment can contribute to a sense of safety and reduce triggers.
10. Embrace Vulnerability: Learning to embrace vulnerability allows individuals to connect authentically with others. Opening up about struggles and challenges fosters a supportive environment and dispels the isolation often associated with imposter syndrome.

In Conclusion

Both Imposter Syndrome and armor are coping mechanisms used to keep us safe. Deciding to retire these well-used coping mechanisms takes courage and self-compassion/acceptance and is an amazing milestone in your healing journey.

I am curious about what you could achieve in your life and career if you weren’t totally focused on safety. Think of the capacity and potential that would free up. Consider the possibilities…

An Invitation

If you are looking for an online community of other resilient overcomers focusing on their careers, I invite you to join The Resilient Career Academy™ Community. (RCA Community)

The RCA Community is a FREE group dedicated to helping/supporting those working to overcome adversity to achieve their full potential in their careers.

The benefits to you are:

• Community — The community provides support, encouragement, the ability to share frustrations and get feedback from people who understand the struggle
• Workplace/Career Resources — The group provides tools, resources, and templates to help you with your career journey
• Available Coaching Support — The community is supported by trained and certified coaches who are available for individual sessions
• Learning — You will have access to various trauma/workplace-related online courses developed by our coaches to help you in your journey
• Workshops/Webinars — You will have access to practical workshops/webinars targeted to help you in the workplace grow your career

If you are interested in joining us, click here: https://resilientcareeracademy.myflodesk.com/community

As always, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Contact me to schedule your free discovery call.

Trigger Tracker Template — This is a FREE resource to help you keep track of the triggers in your workplace and plan the coping strategies you will use to get through the experience.

Get on the waiting list for The Resilient Career Academy™. You won’t want to miss it.

If you want to stay informed on the programs, tools, and training I offer, sign up for my mailing list.

You can also visit my website for more information on courses and other freebies I offer at: https://www.cyndibennettconsulting.com.

Photo by yogurt on Unsplash

Guest Post Disclaimer: Any and all information shared in this guest blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing in this blog post, nor any content on CPTSDfoundation.org, is a supplement for or supersedes the relationship and direction of your medical or mental health providers. Thoughts, ideas, or opinions expressed by the writer of this guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of CPTSD Foundation. For more information, see our Privacy Policy and Full Disclaimer.