Unpacking Anxiety: Perfectionism
As we continue our journey through the various traits of anxiety in the ways that it can present differently throughout the population, the hope is that this series is normalizing some of the lesser-known or discussed elements of anxiety. It’s never a good thing to feel alone or isolated in an experience or symptoms set. Today, the element of anxiety that we will be unpacking further is perfectionism.
Unpacking perfectionism
Perfectionism is often displayed as an individual who has a high attention to detail, a perfectly clean house, impeccable organizational skills, or even glorified as a trade of high achievers and successful people. But perfectionism is not always associated with high achievement or success. Perfectionism can be an attribute or contributor to anxiety that can impede function, create barriers to success, and steal joy from the person experiencing it.
How does perfectionism connect with anxiety?
The research tells us that there is a high correlating factor between anxiety disorders, and perfectionist personality tendencies (1)
From the outside, perfectionism may appear to be associated with a higher level of function, marked by high achievement or positive results. The inner workings of perfectionism for the individual perfectionist, however, may not be so glamorous. Perfectionism is associated with high levels of self-critique, which fuels perfectionist tendencies. These high levels of self-critique are often associated with internal distress and self-criticism.
It is understood that perfectionism tends to impact the individual on a behavioral, cognitive or thought, and emotional level and can correlate with the presence of anxiety. (2)
It’s not just about the result, for the individual experiencing perfectionism, it’s about the distress, cognitive processes, internal tensions and stressors, and fears that feel the process. This is where that socially acceptable, and even accelerated traits of perfectionism, can actually be an area of unhealthy or distress for the individual experiencing it.
So what are some possible signs of perfectionism that may be contributing to anxiety symptoms?
While perfectionism can take on many different forms depending upon the individual and lifestyle they lead, some common themes for perfectionist tendencies include:
The need to achieve high standards, sometimes higher than the actual criteria or standards set by others or governing authorities.
A strong aversion to failure, making mistakes, or the perception of failure or making a mistake.
High levels of self-criticism, or personal standards that exceed or surpass the expectations that the individual holds for others
Sensitivity to or resistance to criticism or corrective feedback from others
Experiencing high distress related to areas of imperfection, lack of order, or disappointment
If you identify with any of these perfections tendencies, there is good news. There certainly are some personalities that tend to experience higher levels of perfectionism and Co-occurring anxiety, but at the end of the day, perfectionism is a thinking pattern. And the anxiety associated with these thinking patterns is treatable, manageable, and able to overcome. Cognitive therapy approaches are effective in assisting individuals in developing new healthier thinking patterns.
If you’re interested in additional support in managing perfectionist tendencies or pursuing anxiety therapy, we would love to connect with you. Our Arlington, Texas-based therapy group is equipped with the tools to help you manage your symptoms, and take the next steps toward the life that you desire to live.
