Why Perfectionism is Often the Hidden Root of Anxiety

Perfectionism is often the hidden root of anxiety because it makes unrealistic demands and puts constant pressure on a person to achieve perfection. Since I've been a sufferer of perfectionism myself, I understand how it can dominate your thoughts and cause excessive anxiety.

Perfectionism is a repressed fear of failure and/or being judged by others. Therefore, I obsessed over every detail of my work and feared the possibility of even the slightest mistake. This mindset kept me in a state of stress and anxiety most of the time.

The point is, perfection is a difficult standard. Despite my efforts, I never succeeded in being satisfied with my result (or can say my ideal perfection outcome). This became the starting point for a pattern of excessive self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy that fueled anxiety.

From the very beginning, it was clear that my perfectionism did more harm than good. I felt unable to move forward or experiment with new things and was gripped by the fear of falling apart. I was so anxious and stressed that when I was about to complete a task, I would fill my mind with absurd details.

To break free from this vicious cycle, I needed to move beyond imperfection and redefine my belief in being a successful person. In my healing journey, a psychiatrist plays an important role. I (in fact, we all) had access to all the information online, but were still unable to overcome them. I learned that perfectionism is often the cause of worry, and seeing a psychiatrist has helped me get better. My path to recovery wasn't just disciplined mental training.

Getting to the Root Causes

My psychiatrist helped me figure out some of the deeper reasons for my perfection, like traumatic events that happened at home, negative thoughts about my own worth, and unresolved trauma. For long-term effects, not just short-term symptoms, this level of clarity was necessary.

Deep-Rooted Thought Patterns

My therapist explained how my self-defeating thoughts caused perfectionistic anxiety. I had these views, but was not able to accept them. Cognitive behavioral therapy helped me become aware of my simple, linear mindset and replace it with a more balanced viewpoint.

Personal Ways of Coping

My psychiatrist recommended customized coping strategies for my perfectionism-related anxiety. Here are some of the ways that helped me overcome perfectionism:

• Setting deadlines so that tasks don't become overly focused on details.
• Seeking feedback from people I trust to identify what's wrong and what's right.
• Consider constructive and balanced thoughts as opposed to self-defeating thoughts.
• Practicing mindfulness meditation to focus on the present instead of worrying about outcomes.
• Celebrating effort and progress, as well as the final results.

Medication Support

In my case, my anxiety was so severe that my doctor suggested medication, along with counseling, as a treatment. This was a method I had resisted for years because I was under the illusion that I could fix it myself without therapy (especially without medication). To be honest, I don't like taking medication. But I realized early on that my anxiety was so severe and how it affected my daily life, professional career, and relationships that I needed (and followed adequately) proper treatment.

My Anxiety Treatment Result

I set achievable goals and enjoyed the results along the way. When I made mistakes, instead of being harsh on myself, I treated myself with kindness and positivity.

Gradually, after some time, I felt the burden of perfection lift off from me. I still aim to do my best, but more than anything, I no longer require absolute perfection from myself or others. This mindset shift has transformed my anxiety so much that I can now live my life with full joy.

The Ongoing Journey

Remember that dealing with perfectionism-based anxiety is not a crash course but an ongoing learning process. There are still days when I find myself repeating old ways, but now I have the instruments to acknowledge and defeat these habits.

A Message to Fellow Perfectionists

If you relate to this story, know that you are not alone, perfect just like all others. Actually, perfectionism is a hard thing to change, but you can seek special means to find peace. Remember the following:

• You don't need to prove anything. Your true value is not determined by what you have achieved or by presenting yourself as perfect.
• Mistakes and failures are the main ingredients for growth and education.
• It's a good thing you can ask for help and turn towards someone who can assist you.
• Small changes are vital to the progress of your mental health. No need to do everything at once.

So, if you struggle with anxiety caused by perfectionism, know that you are not alone. I recommend taking professional help. Let go of self-criticism and anger, and be sensitive and understanding towards yourself. With time and practice, you can learn to live a balanced life. Always remember that being unique and individual is what makes you valuable and worthy in the first place.