All kinds of things can cause you anxiety in life. Some of them are unavoidable. What is interesting about anxiety, though, is that some of what causes it can be external, but the causes are often just as likely to be internal.
You can always get into an anxiety treatment program if you feel that you’re getting too anxious. Only you can judge when the stressors in your life are getting too intense, and you need to seek professional help.
Perfectionism is one of the surprising sources of anxiety that people have to deal with in the modern world. It’s fairly common, and it’s worth taking some time to talk about.
What Exactly is Anxiety?
Let’s start with a working definition of anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, or unease that can come over you at any time. It might be caused by something obvious, but the cause may also be more difficult to determine.
Everyone feels anxiety from time to time. Some people feel it more than others, though. Some can reach a point where they feel it almost constantly. If that happens, then getting through life can be extremely difficult.
What is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is the notion or idea that you have to be perfect or flawless. It can be inherent to a person, meaning it comes to them naturally, without any external causes. Someone can also develop it. If that happens, one’s parents or upbringing are often the cause.
How Are the Two Related?
Perfectionism might not seem like it would be that serious at first glance. If you take some time to think about it, though, you’ll see how harmful the notion is.
It’s impossible to be perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, and no one is without flaws. This is part of what it means to be human.
If you strive for perfection, you are doomed to be disappointed, and if you’re failing at something, that can be a source of anxiety for you. When you look at the two ideas this way, it’s easy to see how they are related.
How Can You Learn to Stop Being a Perfectionist?
Since perfection can never be attained, it is crucial for those who strive for it to temper their expectations. This can be difficult. Someone who puts so much emphasis on success in their every endeavor is going to have a hard time when they inevitably fall short in their own eyes.
Sometimes, therapy is required to stop being a perfectionist. The link between perfectionism and anxiety is well established, and it is something that comes up a lot when someone engages in one-on-one or group therapy sessions. Discover Comprehensive PTSD Treatment offered by an Expert Psychotherapist in Toronto for PTSD and Anxiety Support.
Talking about the unrealistic expectations that some people put on themselves or that they feel society puts on them can be helpful. Vocalizing these desires and realizing how they’ve come to exist can often reduce the feelings of anxiousness that might otherwise manifest themselves.
If you believe that perfectionism is causing your anxiety, make sure to seek help.
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