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I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

LoskyCasual Contributor03 Dec 2025, 6:33 pm AEDT

I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

These last few months I've felt like I don't even know who I am, or what's going on. That despite putting my foot forward and doing and being authentic to myself, that somehow it's not real?

I am honest with people, and I take their word at face value, but I feel like everyone is acting or pretending. Which then makes me feel like I'm acting and pretending, despite not doing so. People tell me that I've said or done things that I have no memory of (recently), I also don't feel like I'm present in many moments I would normally be. Like I'm disconnected.

Sometimes I feel like I'm in some weird coma or dream, and there are these moments that seem like signs I am. Then I find myself panicking and spiralling, like there's something I've done wrong that everyone knows about but won't tell me. Even when I ask.

6 replies

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In response to: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

tymeModerator03 Dec 2025, 6:48 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

Hi @Losky ,

Welcome to the forums. Thank you for sharing how you are currently feeling and what's going on for you.

I look forward to hearing the community's experiences and insights.

As part of posting on the forums and in line with guidelines, are you able to Tell the Community What you need?

This is to ensure posts remain recovery-focused and the community are aware of the support you are looking for.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions as I'm sure your experiences are not uncommon.

In response to: Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

LoskyCasual Contributor03 Dec 2025, 7:05 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

Hi @tyme

Sorry, I did not read that section correctly.

I'm just hoping for some insight into what others have done to help, if they have experienced anything similar.

I'm just a bit lost sorry.

In response to: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

tymeModerator03 Dec 2025, 8:12 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

Hey @Losky , from my personal experience, I feel we all have parts that we mask or hide. I feel it is a coping mechanism, and there are clear reasons for it.

When I read your post, I guess my thoughts are, what part do you feel you want to be more authentic about?

To be honest, it is always 100% possible to ALWAYS be your true self? For me, I feel that part of social acceptance is that we can't always say what's on our mind in case it hurts someone - and that's okay; we can't always do things that we are busting to do because it may offend people - and that's okay.

So where do you want to draw the line?

I'm interested to hear your thoughts?

I know for a fact that I mask in a lot of situations. When I'm around people, I'm often busting to just go home and recuperate... yet I just hang out and say it's great because I know I need that social connection

In response to: Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

LoskyCasual Contributor03 Dec 2025, 10:12 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

@tyme

I would like to be more direct, I often feel that what I might say would hurt people or be too much for them in the moment. I do understand that everyone has their capacity, and checking with people is something I need to do more.

I don't want to upset people if I can avoid it, as I do sometimes just word vomit and then cringe later on.

But yea. I find myself brushing off comments or questions when I should just stick to it. Especially if I think it might be too much for the setting/mood or I've spoken too much already.

I also feel really awful for masking, putting on a face that might not convey my true feelings in the moment, stopping myself from going on tangents or talking about things for fear I'd be taking a soap box.

I'm quite introverted and a bit shy so I understand this probably plays a role too.

In response to: Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

tymeModerator04 Dec 2025, 6:53 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

@Losky wrote:

@tyme

I would like to be more direct, I often feel that what I might say would hurt people or be too much for them in the moment. I do understand that everyone has their capacity, and checking with people is something I need to do more.

I don't want to upset people if I can avoid it, as I do sometimes just word vomit and then cringe later on.

But yea. I find myself brushing off comments or questions when I should just stick to it. Especially if I think it might be too much for the setting/mood or I've spoken too much already.

I also feel really awful for masking, putting on a face that might not convey my true feelings in the moment, stopping myself from going on tangents or talking about things for fear I'd be taking a soap box.

I'm quite introverted and a bit shy so I understand this probably plays a role too.

Hey @Losky ,

I hear you when you said you want to be more direct. For me, it took time to become more assertive. I used to be an introvert. Now I don't really care.

I wonder if it comes with experience.

For me, I found that i practised 'talking' to people on these forums and other platforms, then I could 'transfer' some of those social skills to real life.

I guess we all have to start somewhere. It's great you recognise where you want to grow and improve.

At the same time, if we keep wondering if we are upsetting others, then it stops us from even trying in the first place? @Losky

Thoughts?

In response to: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

MessylifeSenior Contributor05 Dec 2025, 1:50 pm AEDT

Re: I feel like an imposter, like nothing is as it seems.

Hi @Losky

Yours is an interesting post.

Feeling like an imposter, inauthentic, even irrational can feel very concerning and unstable.

I've caught myself lately doing a few stupid things I usually wouldn't do. One in particular backfired on me...turned out to be a good thing, but it hurt at the time.

Do feel like others are judging you? Unfairly judging you?

Is feeling like an imposter just because you are new to something? Perhaps it feels like your out of depth?

Perhaps your intuition is is activated and you are getting the signs that something about your actions or direction is not good for you. Or...maybe this imposter is actually the beginnings of a new you and you need to transform and grow into a better person.

I'm not a big believer in the 'fake it 'til you make it' idea. I think people need to go easy on beginners and transformers. We need support through these times, not judgement.

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