Is perfectionism a symptom of depression?

According to recent estimates, almost 30 percent of undergraduate students experience symptoms of depression, and perfectionism has been widely associated with these symptoms. These trends have been rising over the past few decades, particularly in English-speaking cultures.

Why do perfectionists get depressed?

Perfectionists are inclined to believe that good enough is never enough. As such, the typical perfectionist is stuck in an endless loop of self-defeating and over-striving in which each new task is seen as an opportunity for failure, disappointment and harsh self-rebuke.

How does perfectionism affect mental health?

Perfectionism can make you feel unhappy with your life. It can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. Eventually, it can also lead you to stop trying to succeed. Even mild cases can interfere with your quality of life, affecting your personal relationships, education, or work.

Is perfectionism a mental disorder?

While not considered a mental illness itself, it is a common factor in many mental disorders, particularly those based on compulsive thoughts and behaviors, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

What causes perfectionism?

Many factors can contribute to whether perfectionism develops. A few include: Frequent fear of disapproval from others or feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. Mental health issues like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

How does perfectionism affect relationships?

A perfectionist may avoid talking about personal fears, inadequacies, insecurities, and disappointments with others, even to those with whom they are closest. Naturally, this greatly limits emotional intimacy in a marriage. Perfectionist individuals can also be fiercely competitive, even with their partners.

Do antidepressants help with perfectionism?

Drugs like antidepressants aren’t much help, but what can help is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps a person focus on the self defeating nature of perfectionism, helping them to be more flexible and accepting imperfections in their lives as being normal.

How do you stop perfectionism?

How to Overcome Perfectionism

1. 1- Become More Aware of Your Tendencies.
2. 2- Focus on the Positives.
3. 3- Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes.
4. 4- Set More Reasonable Goals.
5. 5- Learn How to Receive Criticism.
6. 6- Lower the Pressure You Put on Yourself.
7. 7- Focus on Meaning Over Perfection.
8. 8- Try Not to Procrastinate.

What causes perfectionism in a person?

What are perfectionist tendencies?

Perfectionism, in psychology, is a broad personality style characterized by a person’s concern with striving for flawlessness and perfection and is accompanied by critical self-evaluations and concerns regarding others’ evaluations.

What is emotional perfectionism?

Emotional perfectionism is holding ourselves to an emotional standard that does not allow us to feel negative emotions (or what we perceive as negative emotions) towards anything. We feel we should have impossible control over our feelings.

Can perfectionism ruin a relationship?

You Have Feelings of Loneliness and Low Self-Esteem Furthermore, perfectionists may eventually isolate themselves from others as to not inflict their standards on them. Or, relationships don’t work out because of the impossible standards. It can become incredibly lonely and draining.

Are perfectionists more prone to depression?

A new analysis says that perfectionists are more likely to struggle with depression or anxiety, and sadly, they’re more likely to commit suicide. And there are other negative health effects of perfectionism, too. Everyone has a friend or loved one obsessed with perfection.

Why being a perfectionist can be harmful?

Studies have found perfectionists to be risk-averse, which can inhibit innovation and creativity . For perfectionists, life is an all or nothing game. When a perfectionist sets her mind to something, her powerful drive and ambition can lead her to stop at nothing to accomplish that goal.

Does perfectionism lead to stress and anxiety?

Perfectionism can be a huge contributor to your personal stress. Feelings of stress can zap you of energy, potentially increasing your anxiety, and impacting your other panic symptoms. Release some of the stress associated with perfectionism and start feeling more relaxed now.

Is being a perfectionist a mental disorder?

Perfectionism is a personality trait that can be harmful when taken to extremes. While not considered a mental illness itself, it is a common factor in many mental disorders, particularly those based on compulsive thoughts and behaviors, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).