How are perfectionism and depression related?

Let's look at how perfectionism can lead to disorders such as depression.

Did you know that there are different types of perfectionism? It is very common that behind the concepts we use in our daily way of speaking there are hidden nuances that we tend to overlook because we do not have words to refer specifically to them.

That is why one of the tasks of psychology is to investigate and create sub-concepts to better understand our way of behaving and feeling emotions, and this is precisely what happens with the word "perfectionism".

In this article we will see why being a very perfectionist person is not always a good thing and, in fact, it can propitiate the appearance of disorders of the state of mind like the depression.

What is dysfunctional perfectionism?

Dysfunctional (or maladaptive) perfectionism is a form of perfectionism that leads to emotional or behavioral problems, either by generating discomfort in oneself or by leading to conflict with others.

The latter occurs for example with what is known as "other-oriented perfectionism", in which there are unrealistic expectations about how other people should behave, even making them subject to double standards: from this way of thinking, one is not subject to the same rules of good behavior that others are expected to comply with, which makes it easier for there to be no "ceiling" of perfectionism and to be increasingly intransigent with the behavior of others. This is a psychological phenomenon associated with narcissism and certain antisocial personality traits.

However, the opposite can also occur. Some people are under a lot of pressure to conform to what is considered to be an "acceptable" way of being, and sometimes those high standards are self-made inventions. sometimes those high standards are self-created inventions.. However, such cases do not always have to lead to psychological disorders; for example, such perfectionism can be a source of motivation that constantly poses stimulating challenges.

The problem comes when one loses control of this motivational source, and perfectionism becomes a kind of dictator to which one submits oneself without the latter contributing anything or rewarding one's efforts.

The link between perfectionism and depression

So far we have seen an outline of the three main types of perfectionism. First, we have briefly described other-oriented perfectionism, defined by imposing on others rules to which one is not subject oneself. Then, we looked at self-oriented perfectionism, defined by the drive for self-improvement. Finally, we have discussed the essence of the third type of perfectionism, the socially prescribed perfectionism, based on the constant worry and anguish about failing to meet the standards of what is acceptable from the (supposed) point of view of others..... It is this last type that is most associated with depression.

While self-oriented perfectionism is closely linked to the motivation to reach specific goals, socially prescribed perfectionism is linked more to the avoidance of non-compliance with rules; we do not seek what will make us feel good, but fear what will make us feel bad; and in the process, we become obsessed with it and bring it from the future to the present, by constantly anticipating situations of humiliation, failure, etc.

Therefore, this type of perfectionism not only makes us feel bad, but also makes us feel bad, this type of perfectionism not only does not motivate us, but also immobilizes us, since it generates insecurities.It generates insecurities that in the medium and long term lead us to despair and a lack of interest in getting involved in any complex activity. It is at this point that the effects of perfectionism overlap with those of depression, which arises from these habits of passivity and this pessimistic way of seeing oneself and others.

Of course, the dividing lines between these types of perfectionism are not insurmountable barriers. For example, self-oriented perfectionism may become socially prescribed and lead to the development of a mood disorder. This is why it is not usually until a diagnosis is established in the context of clinical psychology that it is possible to know precisely how perfectionism interacts with a person's mental health.

What needs to be done to overcome this problem?

No one is doomed to suffer forever from the symptoms of depression or to carry the emotional burden of dysfunctional perfectionism on their backs. All psychological disorders have a behavioral component.This means that in the same way that these psychological alterations arise from learning that we internalize without realizing it, we can "unlearn" everything that has caused them to appear.

In other words, there are psychological training techniques and strategies that lead us to be able to adopt new, more flexible and constructive points of view, and new ways of relating to the environment and to others, changing both our state of mind and our way of approaching our tasks and responsibilities.

However, in cases of depression, however, this whole learning process involves going to therapy.. Mood disorders are psychopathologies with severe effects that should not be underestimated, partly because in many cases they have a damaging effect on our ability to set goals and try to take care of our mental health. Therefore, it is necessary to have the help of at least one psychologist. Through psychotherapy, both of you will build the means that will support you in your new way of managing your emotions and approaching your personal and/or professional goals and objectives.

Do you want to have professional psychological support?

If you are interested in starting a psychotherapy process, contact our team of mental health professionals.

At Psicomaster we offer services in the areas of psychology and psychiatric assistance, both in our center located in Madrid and through online therapy. We have many years of experience intervening in cases of dysfunctional perfectionism, depression and other mood disorders, and we can provide you with the emotional management tools to overcome that discomfort by going to the root of the problem.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association (2014). DSM-5. Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales. Madrid: Panamericana.
• Besser, A., Flett, G. y Hewitt, P. (2004). Perfectionism, Cognition, and Affect in Response to Performance Failure vs. Success. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, 22, 297-324.
• Kotov, R.; Gamez, W.; Schmidt, F.; Watson, D.; et al. (2010). Linking "big" personality traits to anxiety, depressive, and substance use disorders: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 136(5): pp. 768 - 821.
• Kramer, Peter D. (2006). Contra la depresión. Barcelona: Seix Barral.
• National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health. Depression. (2009). The treatment and management of depression in adults. National Clinical Practice Guideline Number 90. London: British Psychological Society and Royal College of Psychiatrists.
• Perestelo Pérez L, González Lorenzo M, Rivero Santana AJ, Pérez Ramos J. (2007). Decision support tools for patients with depression. Quality Plan for the NHS of the MSPS. SESCS; 2010. STD Reports.