Align-ju HEALTH MATTERS
Tips for tackling IS
• Recognise that IS is not an illness ; it is a syndrome experienced by many professionals in all sorts of jobs , and you are not alone .
• Actively adopt a ‘ growth mindset ‘ and seek things outside your comfort zone , which will energise and challenge you to grow .
• Zone in on the good stuff : the things that have gone well and the positive outcomes that could come out of each situation . Try to replace each negative thought with a constructive one .
• Celebrate your achievements and consciously take time to acknowledge your strengths , assets and accomplishments .
• Recognise your capabilities and limitations . It ' s OK to admit that you don ' t know everything and to have an awareness of your limits .
• Don ' t be afraid to ask for help ; it doesn ' t mean you are underachieving or exposing shortcomings . Often , others welcome the chance to help colleagues , and working together can strengthen teams .
• Talk to a trusted colleague or mentor about what you are experiencing , as this can help release the burden of carrying your feelings alone .
• Build or join a supportive community in an area of interest . This can broaden your outlook and friendship groups , increase your self-esteem and help you avoid becoming isolated .
• Practise reflective journalling ; write a log of what you have achieved each day and make a note of where you think you could improve .
Tips for helping colleagues
• When interacting with a colleague you think may be experiencing IS , be careful with your choice of words and tone of voice , and try to avoid making them feel under pressure .
• Encourage teamwork and reassure your colleague about the many benefits of working with others , including mutual support , knowledge sharing and professional development .
There are lots of support , hints and tips available to help you tackle IS . If you or a colleague are struggling , seek counselling , therapy , group sessions or support from other available resources .
REFERENCES
1 Bravata DM , Watts SA , Keefer AL , Madhusudhan DK , Taylor KT , Clark DM , et al . Prevalence , predictors , and treatment of impostor syndrome : a systematic review . Journal of General Internal Medicine , 2020 ; 35 ( 4 ): 1252 – 1275 . Available from : https :// doi . org / 10.1007 / s11606-019-05364-1 .
2 Ford K . So , what is imposter syndrome ? Available from : https :// www . katiefordvet . com / what-is-it [ Accessed 25 April 2024 ].
This article is sponsored by CVS Wellbeing .
CVS cares about supporting its colleagues ' wellbeing and progress , so every important decision made by the team at CVS takes into consideration the impact it will have on the people in practice .
CVS has a wide support network for its clinicians , so a practitioner is never alone when dealing with a case . As part of its wellbeing support , the organisation performs regular check-ins with colleagues and has over 350 Wellbeing Champions who are formally trained and certified to administer first aid for mental health . In addition , CVS offers an enhanced package of benefits and policies for its colleagues to help maintain their wellbeing .
• Help your colleague to develop self-confidence by encouraging them to practise daily affirmations and acknowledge their strengths and achievements .
• Don ' t compare your colleague with other team members ; instead , focus on your colleague ' s abilities and the strengths they bring to the team .
Scan the QR code or visit https :// www . cvsukltd . co . uk .
Volume 39 ( 3 ) • June 2024
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