World Mental Health Day: Pia Wurtzbach admits seeking professional help for ‘Impostor Syndrome’

MANILA, Philippines — As someone who joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice before finally coveting the Miss Universe crown, Pia Wurtzbach felt the weight of being the epitome of “try and try until you succeed.”
“Fighting spirit, ‘di ba? Parang ‘yun kasi, nakilala ako d’un for not giving up, having this go-getter attitude, but then, deep inside, I’m also having to go through my personal struggles,” Miss Universe 2015 professed at her recent relaunch as the face of Ultherapy in Shangri-La at the Fort Hotel, Taguig City.
“So I was feeling this Impostor Syndrome where, oh no, everyone thinks I’m so strong, although I didn’t want to disappoint anybody. I definitely went through that.”
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines Impostor Syndrome or “impostor phenomenon” as occurring “among high achievers who are unable to internalize and accept their success.”
First described by psychologists Dr. Suzanne Imes and Dr. Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s, “impostor phenomenon” is when people “often attribute their accomplishments to luck rather than to ability, and fear that others will eventually unmask them as a fraud.”
“Though the impostor phenomenon isn't an official diagnosis… psychologists and others acknowledge that it is a very real and specific form of intellectual self-doubt. Impostor feelings are generally accompanied by anxiety and, often, depression,” APA warned.
According to Pia, initially, she was able to handle Impostor Syndrome on her own.
“I’ve learned many ways to cope. I’ve learned healthier ways to cope with it. But this is how I describe it: Every day, there’s a good voice and a bad voice. But the good voice wins, so you win every day.”
But then, COVID-19 pandemic came, challenging Pia’s core values.
“During the pandemic, you were put in a position where you’re not able to practice all these healthy habits that you’ve learned. You’re not able to socialize. Socializing also really helps, keeping us into the things we love and passionate about, your work. All of those had to stop for a while and without any assurance of when it’s going to come back.”
According to APA, many people with Impostor Syndrome “suffer in silence” and usually “don’t talk about it.”
As such, by talking about it, Pia eventually learned to no longer suffer in silence.
“I learned a lot about myself. I also spoke to professionals and I got the help that I needed,” she confessed.
"I was determined to stay strong, to continue my mission, my purpose, and to turn things around… I wanted to face my demons and finally take care of my heart, something which I didn't do or never cared to do,” she added in a statement.
In addition, APA listed other ways to cope with Impostor Syndrome:
- Talk to your mentors.
- Recognize your expertise and learn from others.
- Make a realistic assessment of your abilities.
- Realize that no one is perfect and stop focusing on perfection.
- Learn to celebrate and reward your success.
After seeking help and speaking about mental health in Singapore, Pia has grown more confident to deal with Impostor Syndrome.
“I’m so happy that we’re finally having events like this where talking about (mental health) freely and openly isn’t considered a weakness anymore. It isn’t considered to be a taboo topic or nakakahiya, ‘Miss Universe ka pa naman, nagpapakita ka ng (flaws)’…We’re in an age now where help is available. Talking about it is fine and acceptable. Better times to deal with that,” she pointed out.
“I’m sure lahat tayo, we all went through the same ups and downs the past two years and I also struggled to maintain sort of a self-care routine. You feel like, ‘What’s the point, ‘di naman tayo lumalabas?’… So I kinda felt like things were a bit unsure. But what’s important is how you bounce back from those moments and how you come back with a bang!”
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