Cassandra Syndrome

Cassandras everywhere. Toldcha!

The term “Cassandra Syndrome” originates from Greek mythology. Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam of Troy and she was cursed by the god Apollo to foresee the future fairly accurately but never to be believed, so this led her to despair and isolation.

While not exactly a textbook clinical diagnosis, Cassandra Syndrome was broadly used to describe the frustration and emotional distress of those who foresee problems or negative outcomes but are ignored or dismissed by others.

Later there were efforts to associate Cassandra Syndrome specifically with the experiences of neurotypical partners of autistic individuals, where others in their social circle dismiss the challenges of being in such a relationship, but I am a strong believer in Cassandra Syndrome’s meaning in its original broader sense. C’mon, guys, don’t hijack a good and useful term just for your woke agenda’s sake.

Cassandra Syndrome can describe any of us in any situation where we repeatedly foresee future problems with clarity and then we resent being right so often about negative outcomes. We don’t have to have an autistic husband to feel like Cassandra from time to time. Toldcha! 😉

The anger, frustration and isolation are real. Having a solid grasp of reality—which is arguably one of the most valuable traits we should desire to have—doesn't bring much relief or joy when you see things more clearly than others. It’s like having perfect vision in a group of people with poor eyesight. You constantly warn them about upcoming obstacles and dangers, and when those obstacles appear, there’s no satisfaction in having been right. Worse yet, they don’t admire or appreciate your foresight, on the contrary, your insights are most often met with skepticism and indifference.

We can see “Cassandras” everywhere around us: whistleblowers who are not respected, professionals who foresee crises but are ignored by leaders, or worse, who are dismissed like “conspiracy theorists”.

What can you do if you feel often like a Cassandra? Not much, really. You can accept, like Cassandra herself that this is a gift and a curse at the same time. Enjoy your vision and embrace your gift. Being a Cassandra in a dismissive world might be fun.

Toldcha! 😊