Covimpostor: Impostor Syndrome in the Time of COVID-19
I pulled the covers up to her chin and leaned in for a good night kiss. “Mom,” she whispered looking away. “I don’t want you to go to work tomorrow. You’re so brave.” Without knowing it, my 13 year old had ripped off the band-aid that was holding my fragile psyche together. I was an impostor. She had found me out. She might tell others. I mumbled something about being safe and walked out with tears in my eyes. She’s old enough where she knows what’s going on. She sees the healthcare workers on the news and social media selflessly working to save lives affected by COVID-19 side by side with stories of doctors and nurses dying and pleading for personal protective equipment. She sees the commercials on television with dramatic music promoting healthcare heroes while encouraging you to buy their brand of hand soap or coffee. “Mom is a doctor. She must be a hero too,” I imagine her brain working. But I’m no hero. Long before the COVID-19 pandemic reared its ugly head, impostor syndr...