Many people who struggle with an eating disorder also struggle with perfectionism.
If you are one of those who struggle with both, you already know how one can exacerbate the other. The very nature of perfectionism means to hold unreasonably high standards, usually for yourself, but sometimes also for others. The reason we know these standards are unreasonably high? Because none of us is perfect, despite our desire and ongoing efforts to be. This is just a fact of life.
So striving for and obsession with perfection will also be unreasonable because we are just not capable of it. We can sometimes achieve greatness and great things, but even these are never perfect. Just ask Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, or Van Gogh (if you could). They all had something to say about perfection and the fact that it was unreachable. And yet we see their work and can’t think of a single detail that could be improved.
Perfectionism is a complex personality characteristic.
It’s sometimes viewed as a personality trait, but it can also be a process. Perfectionism can be both positive and negative. Having high standards can absolutely be an asset - they help you achieve high standards and even great things. However, perfectionism can also be a problem. Somewhat counterintuitively, when applied in the wrong situations, it can actually get in the way of achievement.
A clinical perfectionist (when it becomes associated with psychological problems, such as an eating disorder) may not feel like they have the luxury of choice as to when or how they apply their perfectionism - it simply is, and they feel bound to it.
Add an eating disorder into the mix and things get messy and laden with anxiety really quickly.
The perfectionism applies itself even to the eating disorder, which the person then feels they have to get ‘right’, not just in general but absolutely, and all the time. Conversely, the existence of an eating disorder may make a perfectionist feel permanently defective, unable to reach the high standards they’ve created for themself.
And so a vicious cycle begins and self-perpetuates, leaving the sufferer feeling exhausted, trapped, and riddled with anxiety. If this sounds like you or someone you love, don’t despair. There IS help available specifically for you. You CAN find relief and regain some control over your spiraling thoughts and emotions.
Begin Working With An Eating Disorder Therapist in Provo, UT
Inside Wellness has been working exclusively with eating disorders and anxiety for years, helping people just like you to regain their inner peace and a sense of balance in their life. If this sounds like something you’re ready for, schedule your free, private consultation with our care coordinator today. She will listen with empathy and help you find the best counselor for you from our team. You can start your therapy journey with Inside Wellness by following these simple steps:
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Other Services Offered with Inside Wellness
Our team understands you may experience a number of mental health concerns in addition to eating disorder treatment. This is why we are happy to offer support with a variety of mental health services including body image counseling, anxiety treatment, EMDR Therapy, and online Therapy in Utah. Feel free to visit our blog for more helpful information today!
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