One of the Most Dangerous Mind Traps: “Special Syndrome”—Here’s How You Know If You Have It
Back in my twenties, I was living abroad and running a successful freelance business. On the surface, everything seemed fantastic—my career was thriving, I was surrounded by exciting new experiences, and I had the freedom to do what I loved. But behind the scenes? I was exhausted, stressed, and battling an emotional rollercoaster that felt completely out of control.
I had one major coping mechanism: sugar.
For nearly 10 years, I was stuck in a vicious cycle. I would binge on sugary foods—sometimes eating an entire family-sized bag of candy or an entire box of pastries—only to crash hard, feeling like I’d hit rock bottom. Then I’d drag myself to the gym for hours of guilt-driven step aerobics, convinced I had to “work off” the sugar binge.
Did I seek help? Absolutely not.
Why? Because I believed I was the only person struggling like this. I told myself that my problem was special—unique to me, and nobody would understand. I was convinced that if I opened up, people would think I was crazy, weak, or out of control.
So I suffered in silence.
This was my first experience with what I now call “Special Syndrome”—a dangerous belief that tells you things like:
🚨 “Nobody else struggles like this.”
🚨 “Nobody will understand what I’m going through.”
🚨 “I’m different, and I have to deal with this alone.”
This mindset is a trap. It isolates you, keeps you stuck in shame, and stops you from taking action. It feeds into the victim mentality—the belief that life is happening to you, instead of through you. You start to feel like you have no control, and that nobody else could possibly relate to your struggles.
But here’s the truth: You are not alone.
Your struggles are not unique.
And the moment you recognize that, everything changes.
The Impact of “Special Syndrome”
Let’s break down how “Special Syndrome” can show up in everyday life, especially for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. Here’s how it might manifest:
1. The “I Have to Do It All Myself” Trap
Many entrepreneurs, especially in the early stages of their business, fall into the trap of believing they have to do everything on their own. They think, “No one else can do this the way I can,” or “If I ask for help, I’ll look weak or incompetent.”
The truth is, delegating and asking for support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Sharing the load is the key to long-term success. Everyone—whether a solo entrepreneur or a multi-million-dollar corporation—has a team of people supporting them behind the scenes. You are not an island.
2. The “I’m the Only One Struggling” Belief
Whether it’s battling with stress, anxiety, imposter syndrome, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, many people with Special Syndrome believe that they are the only ones facing these challenges. “I’m just not strong enough” or “I must be doing something wrong” can start to feel like constant thoughts.
In reality, everyone faces struggles. The key is to shift your perspective from feeling isolated to realizing that struggles are a part of the human experience. There is no shame in feeling challenged—what matters is how you respond and what you learn from those challenges. You are not alone in your struggle.
3 . The Fear of Being “Found Out”
People with Special Syndrome often feel like they’re faking it or putting on an act. They worry that if others knew the truth—if they were to open up about their emotional, mental, or physical struggles—they’d be judged or rejected.
The truth is, vulnerability is powerful. It builds connections and fosters empathy. When you open up, you not only allow others to help, but you also create a safe space for them to share their own challenges. It’s a way to connect deeply and show that you’re human, just like everyone else.
Why “Special Syndrome” is a Mind Trap
The belief that your problems are uniquely yours can keep you in a constant state of isolation. It makes you feel as though no one understands, or that you’re the only one facing these issues, which then prevents you from seeking the help, support, and resources you need to move forward.
This is the most dangerous part of Special Syndrome: It makes you believe that your struggle is yours alone—that no one will get it. And because of this, you avoid reaching out. You don’t ask for help, don’t seek support, and ultimately feel stuck and alone.
The reality is, the moment you realize you are not special in your struggles, you free yourself. You open up to the possibility that others have gone through, or are currently going through, similar challenges—and most importantly, that there is a way out.
My Biggest Regret
Looking back at my twenties, I realized that my biggest regret wasn’t my sugar addiction or the long hours I spent working. It wasn’t even the fact that I spent so much time feeling exhausted and defeated. My biggest regret was using my body as a battleground for inner battles that needed to be fought elsewhere—mainly in my mind and heart.
I was too proud to admit I needed help. I believed I was different, that no one would understand, and I isolated myself in that belief. If I could go back, I would tell my younger self: “You’re not special—you just need help, and that’s okay.”
The Power of Asking for Help
If you’re struggling right now—whether it’s with overwhelm, stress, emotional eating, or any other challenge—please know this: You are not alone. People will understand, more than you think. People will want to help, more than you can imagine.
It all starts with one simple step: asking for help.
You don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You don’t have to keep suffering in silence or struggling alone. The truth is, there’s a whole community of people who would love to support you, just as you would support them.
So, take the first step today. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or isolated, reach out to someone—whether it’s a friend, a mentor, a coach, or a therapist. There’s no shame in admitting that you need help. In fact, it’s the most empowering thing you can do.
Remember: You are not special in your struggles—but you are incredibly unique in your ability to move through them and grow stronger on the other side.
💛 You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Ready to break free from the mind traps holding you back? Let’s chat. Drop a comment or message me directly to explore how we can work together to create more ease, joy, and abundance in your life!