Why Perfectionism Is Detrimental To Mental Health
Our culture glorifies high achievements. Many people see perfectionists as hard workers with enviable traits. But perfectionism can lead to impossible-to-achieve standards, which take a toll on the perfectionist’s mental and physical health. Here’s why perfectionism is damaging to your mental health and how understanding and addressing it is a crucial step towards healing your inner voice.
The damage done by perfectionism isn’t limited to mental health; it can also have profound effects on physical well-being. Chronic stress, a common result of perfectionism, has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, compromised immune function, and digestive disorders.
Control issues
Perfectionists often cling to the illusion that achieving perfection grants them control over their lives. In reality, constantly trying to gain more control over their lives translates to increasing inner turmoil. This constant pressure to meet impossibly high standards can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and an overwhelming fear of failure. When people set unrealistically high expectations for themselves, they open the door to a cycle of self-criticism and disappointment. Each perceived failure reinforces the belief that they’re not good enough, contributing to a negative self-image and eroding self-esteem. Over time, this self-imposed pressure can manifest in a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
The cycle of procrastination
Perfectionism is often accompanied by an intense fear of failure. The fear of not meeting one’s own stringent standards can be paralyzing, leading people to procrastinate or even avoid tasks altogether. This procrastination creates a self-perpetuating cycle—as anxiety and stress levels shoot up, the tasks get put off, which makes anxiety go up even more.
Rather than looking at mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, perfectionists see them as personal shortcomings. This fear of failure can lead to missed opportunities, as someone might avoid risks that could lead to personal development and more success.
Strained interpersonal relationships
Perfectionists don’t just feel negative effects themselves. Their perfectionism can even extend to straining their relationships with loved ones. The constant need to excel and the critical lens through which perfectionists view themselves often spill over into their interactions with others. A perfectionist might project their unrealistic expectations onto those around them, which strains their relationships and leads to conflict. Perfectionists might also struggle with expressing vulnerability because they fear rejection. This fear of being judged or criticized can make it hard to connect with people on a deeper level.
Physical problems
The damage done by perfectionism isn’t limited to mental health; it can also have profound effects on physical well-being. Chronic stress, a common result of perfectionism, has been linked to a variety of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, compromised immune function, and digestive disorders.
How to heal from perfectionism’s damage
Practice self-compassion
Offer yourself kindness rather than criticism. Everyone makes mistakes and the world does not end. Work to challenge your negative self-talk and affirm that what’s most important is trying your best. You can also focus on all you’ve already achieved. You might find it helpful to write positive affirmations and leave them where you know you’ll need them most.
Develop daily mindfulness
Mindfulness brings you into the present moment by focusing on your sensory experiences. It’s a form of meditation that calms any feelings of turmoil by simply noticing your emotions as they pass through you. When you get into a habit of mindfulness, you’ll also learn to accept your feelings without judgment. This is a huge step in countering the harm of perfectionism.
Talk to a therapist
If you’re a perfectionist and you’ve been dealing with worsening mental health, it’s time to seek help. A therapist can help you explore the roots of your perfectionistic tendencies and give you the tools to embrace imperfection.
To find out more about how therapy can heal the negative effects of perfectionism, please reach out to us to learn more about anxiety or depression therapy.
