What is it called when you feel the need to be perfect?

What Is Perfectionism? Perfectionism is often defined as the need to be or appear to be perfect, or even to believe that it’s possible to achieve perfection. It is typically viewed as a positive trait rather than a flaw. People may use the term “healthy perfectionism” to describe or justify perfectionistic behavior.

Is perfectionism a mental disorder?

While not considered a mental illness itself, it is a common factor in many mental disorders, particularly those based on compulsive thoughts and behaviors, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

Why do I feel the need for perfection?

When we feel that our life is spiraling out of control, one way to deal with this overwhelming feeling is to seek control in other areas. Striving for perfection is one defense mechanism to deal with great uncertainty. If we can’t control the world and our circumstances, then we may seek to control ourselves.

Is there a disorder for wanting to be perfect?

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder that’s characterized by extreme perfectionism, order, and neatness. People with OCPD will also feel a severe need to impose their own standards on their outside environment.

Is perfectionism an anxiety?

In reality however, perfectionism can become an outsized desire to avoid mistakes, errors, and failures that—let’s be honest—are common in life. While not a psychological disorder in itself, perfectionism is linked to anxiety and other mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Is being a perfectionist OCD?

Perfectionism is considered a personality trait and is not considered a personality disorder of its own however perfectionism is a trait often seen in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder which is similar to OCD except that the individual is fully supportive of this behavior; identical to individuals who are …

How do I stop being perfect?

How to Overcome Perfectionism

1. 1- Become More Aware of Your Tendencies.
2. 2- Focus on the Positives.
3. 3- Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes.
4. 4- Set More Reasonable Goals.
5. 5- Learn How to Receive Criticism.
6. 6- Lower the Pressure You Put on Yourself.
7. 7- Focus on Meaning Over Perfection.
8. 8- Try Not to Procrastinate.

Do I have OCD or am I just a perfectionist?

Do I have perfection OCD?

Obsessions often seen with “perfectionism” as a form of OCD include: An overwhelming fear of making mistakes; an intense need for things to be “perfect” or “done right” – may or may not be accompanied by a fear that harm will come to oneself or others if things are not done perfectly.

Do you need to be perfect to be happy?

Not you, nor your circumstances, nor the people in your life need to be perfect (or even any different than they are at this exact moment) in order for you to accept them. You can accept uncertainty, and you can accept that sometimes, temporarily, you may not be feeling happy, and you might even be feeling pain inside.

Are perfectionists really trying to be perfect?

True perfectionists aren’t really trying to be perfect, they are avoiding not being good enough. This avoidance dictates much of their behavior, and it’s linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even suicide. Paul Hewitt, PhD and psychologist Gordon Flett are two of the most respected researchers of perfectionistic behavior.

How can I Stop Feeling like I have to be perfect?

The more you do for yourself, the better you feel; the better you feel, the more confident you’ll become, and the less compelled you’ll feel to be perfect all the time. Learn to let go. Try to let go of whatever it is that’s holding you back from accepting who you are.

Is your pursuit of perfection putting you at risk?

Here are seven signs that your pursuit of perfection may put you at risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and in very extreme cases, suicidal thinking. 1. Despite your search for perfection, you never feel perfect. Dr. Hewitt uses this example of a college student, also one of his patients, viewed his success.