Imposter syndrome isn’t a disease, but it can do real damage to our confidence and self-esteem if it’s goes unchecked. And while it’s often associated with women, men can experience it too – as recently highlighted. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Last Word recently, Mike Parkinson revealed that his father, Sir Michael Parkinson – who died aged 88 earlier this month – dealt with “imposter syndrome” and “was wracked with self-doubt”. He went on to say that the well loved late chat show host, who interviewed the likes of Victoria and David Beckham and Muhammad Ali during his career, “didn’t have as much self-confidence as he appeared to have on TV”. The director also said that despite his father’s obvious success, he was “still very class ridden” and “very insecure”. These words will no doubt strike a chord with many. Here’s a closer look and imposter syndrome and what men can do to help manage it. What is imposter syndrome? “Impostor syndrome is not a mental illness. It is rather a term applied to the internal psychological experience of feeling like a fraud in a particular area in your life, despite evidence of success or external validation,” says Dr Jon van Niekerk, group clinical director at Cygnet Health Care. It is also a myth that men do not suffer from impostor syndrome... “It might come as a surprise to some, but it is fairly common experience, with 70% of people having at least one episode at some point,” he adds. “It is also a myth that men do not suffer from impostor syndrome. In fact, research has shown that if surveys are anonymous, there are similar levels of these symptoms between men and women. The difference is that men can find it more difficult to talk about these feelings.” What signs might they experience? Dr Elena Touroni, consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, believes at its core, imposter syndrome is associated with “feelings of self-doubt sparking fears of being ‘exposed’ as a fraud, or diminishing genuine achievements and attributing them to luck rather than skill”. She adds: “On the surface, these internal battles might manifest as overworking to prove one’s worth, delaying tasks due to fear of imperfection, or an unending quest for validation.” As a result, van Niekerk says men could “compensate by overworking to achieve impossible standards they set themselves. Many people that have impostor syndrome are ‘overachievers’ and their personal and family life suffers. “Some people also self-sabotage their relationships, as they do not believe the deserve affection from others,” he adds. “If not managed well, it can ultimately lead to burnout and more severe mental health issues, like depression and anxiety.” What are the possible causes?There are various factors that play a role in imposter syndrome, especially as people may have different triggers for these feelings, and in different areas of their lives. “These feelings and beliefs can often be traced back to schemas – mental blueprints formed by our early experiences,” says Touroni. “These schemas shape our perception of ourselves, the world, and our place in it. When early experiences involve neglect, abandonment or overly critical parents/caregivers, it can lead to a lasting belief of not being ‘good enough’.” How can men overcome imposter syndrome? Reflecting on your strengths and positive past experiences is often a great place to start. “It is important to not just accept self-defeating thoughts. If you experience these thoughts, it is important to note them and remind yourself of why you are in a particular position, and what past accomplishments you have had,” says van Niekerk. “Once you open up, you will be surprised how many people struggle with similar thoughts. Usually, these settle down once you have been in a particular role for some time, but if they impact on you pursuing your goals or your relationships, it might be helpful to speak to a therapist.” Touroni adds: “Imposter feelings tend to run deep. But, with dedication and the right support, they can be challenged and changed. A therapist can help you unearth the origins of these beliefs, challenge their accuracy, and cultivate healthier, more empowering perspectives and coping mechanisms.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 8 of the coolest plants for shady gardens This is how stress affects different parts of the body Curls feeling frazzled? 6 ways to repair summer hair damage

Kate Jackson made an appearance at 'Charlie's Angels' co-star Jaclyn Smith son's wedding, 40 years after the iconic show ended

Joan Laporta has revealed Barcelona have rejected offers for Andreas Christensen, Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araújo, Marc Andre ter Stegen, Ansu Fati, Raphinha and Alejandro Balde.

Here are the best attachments to use on the Vargo-S in Call of Duty: Warzone Season 4 Reloaded.

Cocaine has been detected inside the White House, and it’s already become the internet’s new favourite meme. A brief evacuation of the White House took place over the weekend after a white, powdery substance was found. The Independent learned that it was confirmed as cocaine after being tested and a spokesperson for the US Secret Service gave a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, it was discovered late Sunday by officers with the Secret Service Uniformed Division in a public waiting area in the West Wing. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Neither President Joe Biden nor any other members of his family were present at the White House during the incident, as the Biden family spent the holiday weekend at Camp David, the US Navy-operated presidential retreat in Thurmont, Maryland. However, that didn’t stop Donald Trump posting on his Truth Social platform and accusing his successor and son, Hunter Biden, of being the rightful owners of the substance. He wrote: “Does anybody really believe that the COCAINE found in the West Wing of the White House, very close to the Oval Office, is for the use of anyone other than Hunter & Joe Biden?” The news has quickly become one of the most talked about things on social media. Here are some of the biggest reactions. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga title bid may require the assistance of an unlikely ally, with fierce rivals Schalke making the trip to face league...

Japan's Ayaka Furue, chasing her first LPGA triumph on US soil, fired a bogey-free, five-under par 67 to seize a one-stroke lead after Friday's second...

Vimeo Inc. Chief Executive Officer Anjali Sud will step down from her position at the business video software

NASCAR has added Atlanta Motor Speedway and the road course at Watkins Glen in upstate New York to the playoffs as part of the 2024 Cup Series schedule

Sunseekers are sharing heartbreaking pictures of Hawaii's glory before ominous flames drove both tourists and locals from the Maui region

Did Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen use 12-time Grammy Award-winning pop star Taylor Swift as an audible during Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

General Motors’ Cruise says it's suspending its driverless operations nationwide as the robotaxi service works to rebuild public trust