Perfectionism, Anxiety and High Achievement, how these traits Overlap and How a Therapist Can help
from a Holistic Psychology and Social Work Perspective.
At Savasana Collective - Holistic Psychology and Social Work, we like to remind people that we are not our labels. We also like to normalise and not pathologise life. What does that mean? Often our symptoms are a by product of our environment and the experiences we have within our environment, we are not inherently broken, or “not functioning properly”, we are merely human beings living in artificial and overwhelming environments with much less support than ever in history.
In today's society, there is a lot of emphasis placed on achieving success and being the best. While high achievement is often seen as a positive trait, it can also lead to perfectionism, which can cause anxiety and other mental health issues. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between high achievement, perfectionism, and anxiety and how therapy can help those struggling with anxiety.
High Achievement and Perfectionism
High achievement is often seen as a desirable trait that can lead to success in different areas of life such as academics, career, and personal relationships. However, when high achievement is accompanied by perfectionism, it can become problematic. Perfectionism is a personality trait characterized by the pursuit of flawlessness, often to an unrealistic degree. Perfectionists set excessively high standards for themselves and are overly self-critical when they fall short. They are driven by the fear of failure and the desire to avoid mistakes.
Perfectionism can have both positive and negative effects on mental health. On the positive side, it can motivate people to work hard and strive for excellence. However, on the negative side, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Perfectionists often suffer from imposter syndrome, the feeling that they are not good enough and do not deserve their achievements. They may also have high levels of self-doubt, self-criticism, and fear of judgment from others.
Anxiety and Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a common cause of anxiety. Perfectionists often have high levels of anxiety because they set unrealistic expectations for themselves and are overly self-critical when they fall short. They may experience constant worry, fear of failure, and fear of judgment from others. The pressure to be perfect can lead to a range of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about everyday activities and events. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a condition characterized by intense fear and avoidance of social situations due to fear of negative evaluation from others. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts or obsessions and compulsive behaviors or rituals that individuals feel compelled to perform in order to reduce their anxiety.
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and affect all aspects of a person's life. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. Anxiety disorders can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach problems, and heart palpitations.
What Does Therapy Do for Anxiety?
Therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can help people identify the root causes of their anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Therapy can also provide a space for people to learn new skills, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Therapy for anxiety can take many forms, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. CBT is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing people to the things they fear in a safe and controlled environment. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and past experiences to understand the root causes of anxiety.
How Can a Therapist Help with Anxiety?
A therapist can help people with anxiety in several ways. First, they can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to talk about their fears and worries. Therapists can also help people with anxiety by teaching them coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Coping strategies may include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. Additionally, therapists can help people develop problem-solving skills to address the underlying issues that contribute to their anxiety.
Therapists can also help people with anxiety by providing education about the nature of anxiety and the different types of anxiety disorders. This can help people understand their symptoms and reduce feelings of shame or stigma. Furthermore, therapists can assist individuals in developing a personalized treatment plan that includes setting realistic goals, identifying triggers, and developing strategies to cope with setbacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while high achievement can be a desirable trait, it can also lead to perfectionism, which can cause anxiety and other mental health issues. Therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders and can help people develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.
Therapists can provide a safe and supportive environment for people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and help them develop problem-solving skills to address the underlying issues that contribute to their anxiety. By seeking therapy, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and achieve a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Support for Anxiety
If you’ve noticed that stress or anxiety is starting to affect your day-to-day life, talking with a mental health professional can help you to identify the source of your worry, and create a holistic support plan to lessen its impact on you.
At Savasana Collective, we take a holistic approach to supporting our clients, understanding the role that other experiences in our lives (such as trauma, neurodiversity, and the capitalist structures we live in that prioritise hustle culture) play in contributing to our experiences of anxiety.
If you’re reading this post because you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety, please know that you’re not alone, and support is available.
If you enjoyed this post and want more, get your free anxiety resources check out our retreats, our podcast and social accounts or book into our services. And if you’re a health professional come connect with us over at Therapist VA.
Sources:
Science Daily Website: “Psychiatric diagnosis 'scientifically meaningless” https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190708131152.htm
The Centre for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders Website https://centerforanxietydisorders.com/
Book: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V)
