People who have perfectionistic tendencies often set very high standards for themselves and others, this considerably affects their mental health. Do you want to know why?
Perfectionism is a personality trait that manifests itself as a constant pursuit of excellence and perfection in all aspects of life.
They often focus on mistakes or imperfections instead of recognizing their achievements and successes.
Perfectionist people can also be very demanding of themselves, which can lead to a very heavy emotional and physical burden.
They may experience anxiety, stress, depression, emotional exhaustion due to the constant pressure to achieve a level of perfection that is impossible to achieve.
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination since the person may feel overwhelmed by the idea of not being able to do things perfectly.
It is important to note that perfectionism is not the same as the healthy pursuit of excellence and personal growth.
The difference is that the healthy pursuit of excellence focuses on progress and learning, while perfectionism focuses on achieving an unattainable standard of perfection and can lead to a state of constant dissatisfaction.
What are the negative effects of perfectionism on mental health?
The main harmful consequences of perfectionism in relation to mental health are these:
1. Anxiety and stress
Perfectionist people often experience high levels of anxiety and stress due to the constant pressure to meet very high standards. Constant worry about not living up to those standards can lead to a state of chronic anxiety.
2. Depression
Perfectionism has also been linked to depression. Perfectionistic people may feel overwhelmed by the idea of not being able to meet their high standards and feel like they are not good enough. This can lead to a depressed mood and a feeling of hopelessness.
3. Low self-esteem
Perfectionist people can be very critical of themselves and their own work, which can lead to low self-esteem. They may feel like they are never good enough and that they must always work harder to achieve perfection.
4. Emotional exhaustion
Perfectionism can be very emotionally draining. The constant pressure to meet high standards can lead to a feeling of emotional and physical exhaustion.
5. Physical problems
Perfectionism can also have negative effects on physical health. Perfectionist people may experience headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems, and other physical problems due to constant tension.
What is the relationship between perfectionism and self-esteem?
Perfectionism and self-esteem are closely related, and the relationship between the two can be complex.
Perfectionistic people often set very high standards for themselves and They can be very critical of themselves when they don’t meet those standards.
Additionally, they may base their self-esteem on their achievements and successes, rather than valuing themselves for who they are as a person.
This can lead to fragile and vulnerable self-esteem, which is threatened when standards of perfection are not met.
Constantly seeking approval and recognition leads to a self-esteem that is dependent and conditioned on the opinions of others. The constant need for approval can be emotionally draining and can lead to a feeling of lack of control over one’s life.
Strategies to manage perfectionism Keep these tips in mind so that problems related to perfectionism do not arise.
1. Identify and question perfectionistic thoughts
Perfectionist people often have rigid, negative thoughts about themselves and their achievements. Identifying and challenging these thoughts can help challenge perfectionism and promote a more realistic and healthy perspective.
2. Set realistic and achievable goals
Instead of setting impossible standards, it is important to set realistic, achievable goals that promote growth and learning. This can help reduce the pressure and stress associated with perfectionism.
3. Practice self-compassion
It is important to be kind and compassionate to yourself. Instead of criticizing yourself for not achieving perfection, It is important to recognize that we all make mistakes and that you don’t have to be perfect to be valuable.
4. Accept imperfection
Learning to accept imperfection can be challenging for perfectionist people, but it is an important step on the path to overcoming perfectionism.
5. Take breaks and take care of your mental and physical health
It is important to take regular breaks and take care of your mental and physical health. This can help reduce the pressure and stress associated with perfectionism and promote a more balanced and healthy perspective.
Seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful in managing and overcoming perfectionism. It can help provide an outside perspective and develop effective strategies for managing perfectionism.
Advice from a psychologist
People who struggle with perfectionism They can work on developing a more flexible and tolerant mentality towards themselves.
This may involve learning to accept that failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process, and that it is not possible to be perfect in all areas of life.
Additionally, it can be helpful to learn to distinguish between realistic goals and unattainable goals. By setting achievable goals, people can avoid feeling overwhelmed by the feeling that they are never good enough.
It is also important to learn to celebrate achievements and recognize that progress is not always linear. Sometimes people may experience setbacks or delays on the path to success, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t moving forward.
A psychologist can help people identify unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior and develop effective strategies to manage them more constructively.
