Is it Perfectionism or is it OCD?

Perfectionism is a common word but is deeply misunderstood. Often people use this term in a positive sense to indicate effort and attentiveness – meaning  “I try hard to be perfect!”  The true meaning of this concept, however, is much more self-destructive.  

While difficult to distinguish without doing an OCD inventory (available during intake for OCD Treatment at Kairos), “perfectionism” is most likely a symptom of the disorder.  Perfectionist minds tend to have very pervasive negative self-talk, saying “you are a failure” and “you messed up” over small errors or shortcomings.  

Perfectionism usually leads a person into one of two extreme paths: giving up or overdoing it.  While giving up seems counterintuitive, it is a form of the OCD compulsion of avoidance.  When something feels too heavy, our OCD makes us not even try.  

Rarely talked about side effects of perfectionism are procrastination and quitting.  

The other path is overcompensating.  When OCD individuals overcompensate they often give a tremendous effort, check multiple times that they haven’t made a mistake, and seek reassurance from those around them that they have done well.  The energy around doing the perfectionist activity becomes frenetic and pressured.  

Perfectionism can lead to exhaustion and a constant, torturous sense of disappointment with oneself.

Reach out to Kairos Wellness Collective if you struggle with perfectionism.  OCD Treatment may be right for you.