Perfectionism and anxiety often go hand in hand. Perfectionism is often defined as setting excessively high standards for yourself and experiencing intense pressure to meet those standards. This relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to heightened levels of anxiety. Anxiety Therapy can help release you from perfectionism.
What is perfectionism?
When someone is a perfectionist, they may constantly worry about making mistakes, fear criticism or judgment from others, and have a strong desire for control. As an anxiety therapist, I see how these thoughts and behaviors can create a constant state of anxiety and unease. The fear of falling short of their own expectations can be overwhelming, causing individuals to feel anxious, stressed, and even paralyzed by the fear of failure.
Perfectionism can also lead to a cycle of self-criticism and self-doubt. When someone holds themselves to impossibly high standards, they may constantly find faults in their own work or abilities. Being harsh and self-critical can create a significant amount of anxiety, as perfectionists feel like they never measure up to their own impossible standards. This negatively impacts their mental health.
It's important to note that perfectionism can manifest differently in different people. Some may strive for perfection in their work or school, while others may focus on their appearance, relationships, or other areas of life. Regardless of the specific focus, the underlying anxiety and perfection pressure remains consistent.
Perfection as a way of coping with anxiety
Perfectionism can sometimes be used as a way of coping with underlying anxiety. Although it may seem counterintuitive, some believe that by striving for perfection, they can gain a sense of control over their anxiety and reduce the chances of experiencing anything negative. Here are a few ways in which people may use perfectionism as a coping strategy:
Control
Perfectionists often believe that by maintaining complete control over every aspect of their lives, they can minimize uncertainty and potential sources of anxiety. They may try to control their environment, relationships, or even their own thoughts and emotions in an attempt to create a sense of security.
Avoidance of Failure or Criticism
Perfectionists might believe that if they achieve flawless results or receive constant praise, they will avoid negative judgments, criticism, or rejection. They may view mistakes or imperfections as personal failures, which intensifies their anxiety. By striving for perfection, they hope to shield themselves from these perceived negative outcomes.
Seeking Validation
Perfectionists often rely heavily on external validation and approval from others to feel a sense of self-worth. They may believe that if they can meet impossibly high standards, they will gain recognition, acceptance, and admiration from others, which can temporarily alleviate their anxiety.
Reduction of Uncertainty
Perfectionists may engage in excessive planning, over-preparation, or repeated checking to minimize the uncertainty that fuels their anxiety. They may feel compelled to double-check their work, seek reassurance, or excessively research to ensure that everything is flawless, leaving no room for error or unexpected outcomes.
It's important to note that while perfectionism may provide temporary relief from anxiety, it is ultimately an unattainable and self-defeating goal. The constant pressure to be perfect can perpetuate a cycle of anxiety, self-criticism, and disappointment. Over time, the negative consequences of perfectionism often outweigh any temporary relief it may provide.
Anxiety Therapy for perfectionism
Understanding the connection between perfectionism and anxiety is crucial to being able to change it. Anxiety Therapy can be helpful in untangling the relationship between perfectionism and anxiety and finding healthier ways to cope. Working with an anxiety therapist allows you to challenge their perfectionistic beliefs, develop self-compassion, and learn different ways to manage anxiety. You don’t have to try and figure this all out on your own. Seeking anxiety treatment doesn’t mean you can’t handle your life but is actually a sign of strength that you want to learn to cope with anxiety differently.
How to start working with an anxiety therapist in Utah
Let go of the constant pressure and anxiety that comes with striving for unattainable perfection. Working with an anxiety therapist can help. This Utah Counseling Clinic has a therapist who specializes in helping clients learn to cope with their anxiety symptoms and perfectionism. To start anxiety treatment follow the steps below:
Meet with a therapist for anxiety
Manage your anxiety better