Did you know that there are different types of perfectionism? It is very common that behind the concepts that we use in our daily way of speaking, there are nuances that we usually overlook because we do not have words to specifically refer to them.
That is why one of the tasks of psychology is to investigate and create sub-concepts to better understand our way of behaving and feeling emotions, and this is precisely what happens with the word “perfectionism”.
In this article we will see why being a very perfectionist person is not always a good thing and, in fact, can lead to the appearance of mood disorders such as depression.
Dysfunctional (or maladaptive) perfectionism is a form of perfectionism that gives rise to emotional or behavioral problems, either by generating discomfort in oneself or by leading to creating conflicts with others.
The latter occurs, for example, with what is known as “other-oriented perfectionism,” in which there are unrealistic expectations about how other people should behave, even making them subject to double standards: from this way of To think, oneself is not subject to the same rules of good behavior that others are expected to comply with, which makes it easier for there to be no “ceiling” of perfectionism and to become increasingly intransigent with the behavior of others. It is a psychological phenomenon associated with narcissism and certain antisocial personality traits.
However, the opposite can also occur. There are those who are under a lot of pressure in everything that has to do with conforming to what is considered an “acceptable” way of being, and Sometimes, those high standards are inventions that one creates oneself.. Now, cases like this do not always have to give rise to psychological disorders; For example, this perfectionism can be a source of motivation that constantly poses stimulating challenges.
The problem comes when you lose control of that motivational source, and perfectionism becomes a kind of dictator to which you submit yourself without the latter contributing anything or rewarding you for your efforts.
The link between perfectionism and depression
So far we have seen an outline of the main three types of perfectionism. First, we have briefly described other-oriented perfectionism, defined as imposing rules on others to which oneself is not subject. Then, we have seen self-oriented perfectionism, defined by the desire to improve. Finally, we have talked about the essence of the third type of perfectionism, the socially prescribed one, based on constant worry and anguish over not meeting the standards of what is acceptable from the (supposed) point of view of others. It is this last type that is most associated with depression.
While self-oriented perfectionism is closely linked to the motivation to achieve specific goals, socially prescribed perfectionism is linked rather to the avoidance of non-compliance with standards; We do not look for what will make us feel good, but we fear what will make us feel bad; and in the process, we become obsessed with it and bring it from the future to the present, by constantly anticipating situations of humiliation, failure, etc.
Thus, This type of perfectionism not only does not motivate, but it immobilizes us., since it generates insecurities that in the medium and long term lead us to hopelessness and a lack of interest in getting involved in any complex activity. It is at this point that the effects of perfectionism overlap with those of depression, which arises from these habits of passivity and this pessimistic way of seeing oneself and others.
Of course, the lines of separation between these types of perfectionism are not insurmountable barriers. For example, if necessary, self-oriented perfectionism can become socially prescribed and lead to the appearance of a mood disorder. That is why normally until a diagnosis is established in the context of clinical psychology, it is not possible to know precisely how perfectionism interacts with a person’s mental health.
What needs to be done to overcome this problem?
No one is condemned to suffer the symptoms of depression forever or to carry the emotional burden of dysfunctional perfectionism on their shoulders. All psychological disorders have a behavioral componentand that means that in the same way that these psychological alterations arise from learning that we internalize without realizing it, we can “unlearn” everything that has made them appear.
In other words, there are psychological training techniques and strategies that lead us to be able to adopt new, more flexible and constructive points of view, and new ways of relating to the environment and to others, causing our mood to change so much. as our way of approaching our tasks and responsibilities.
However, In cases of depression, this entire learning process involves going to therapy. Mood disorders are psychopathologies with severe effects that should not be underestimated, in part because in many cases they have a harmful effect on our ability to set goals and try to take care of our mental health. Therefore, it is necessary to have the help of at least one psychologist. Through psychotherapy, you will both build the means that will support you in your new way of managing your emotions and addressing your personal and/or professional goals and objectives.
Do you want to have professional psychological support?
If you are interested in starting a psychotherapy process, contact our team of mental health professionals.
In Psychomaster We offer services in the areas of psychology and psychiatric care, both in our center located in Madrid and through the online therapy modality. We have many years of experience intervening in cases of dysfunctional perfectionism, depression and other mood disorders, and we can provide you with the emotional management tools to overcome this discomfort by going to the root of the problem.
