Grasp the Damage of Perfectionism on Young Adults and the LGBTQ+ Community

Embracing Progress Over Perfection: Empowering Young Adults and the LGBTQIAP+ Community

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the pursuit of perfection has become a pervasive and relentless force. Perfectionism is a complex personality trait characterized by setting excessively high standards and being overly critical of oneself when those standards are not met. While it may seem harmless at first, this unyielding pursuit of flawlessness can significantly impact mental health, leading to heightened anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

For young adults and the LGBTQIAP+ community, the pressure to conform to societal expectations can exacerbate these challenges. However, by understanding the roots of perfectionism and embracing progress over perfection, individuals can find empowerment and relief on their journey toward self-acceptance and well-being.

Perfectionism and Its Correlation With Anxiety and Depression

Perfectionism may initially appear to be a positive attribute, often seen as striving for excellence. However, the constant need to be flawless can lead to a never-ending cycle of self-criticism and fear of failure. When perfectionists fall short of their unrealistic expectations, it triggers feelings of inadequacy and disappointment, giving rise to anxiety and depression.

Especially for young adults and members of the LGBTQIAP+ community in today’s society, social pressures and the desire to fit into conventional norms can magnify the impact of perfectionism. In attempting to meet the expectations of others, these individuals may suppress their true selves and hide behind a facade, leading to a constant state of stress and anxiety.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing the onset of these mental health issues, it’s important to seek help immediately. Otherwise, you may put yourself in a position to experience a further downward spiral. 

The Perfectionism Challenge for Young Adults and the LGBTQIAP+ Community

Although the idea of perfection has always been present in society, it has only been exaggerated in recent years, especially with the rise of social media among the younger generation. Among this generation, young adults and the LGBTQIAP+ community are being affected by this concept the most. Here’s why. 

Young Adults

If you’re a teenager or an individual transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, you probably have encountered a wide range of challenges in terms of your education, career, and relationships. Because your teens to early 20s constitute the formative years of your life, everything that happens within this timeframe can impact you mentally, emotionally, and even physically. As a result, you may develop strong emotions like self-doubt and uncertainty that can make you susceptible to the trappings of perfectionism.The fear of failure and judgment from your peers and certain authority figures can also hinder your personal growth and negatively impact your ability to accept and learn from your mistakes. 

LGBTQIAP+ Community

On the other hand, if you’re a member of the LGBTQIAP+ community, you may develop a unique set of challenges in relation to societal integration and self-acceptance. Because you know that your identity and perhaps sexual orientation goes against the accepted norms, you may feel more inclined to exert yourself more and prove yourself worthy of respect and recognition. 

This heightened scrutiny and pressure can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which in turn, can lead to other mental health issues. 

Causes of Perfectionism:

It’s not enough to know that perfectionism and the need to belong exist. If you want to better yourself and eliminate the negative effects of this phenomenon, the first step to take is to understand the causes or underlying elements contributing to the feeling. These causes can stem from a variety of factors, including those listed below. 

Family Expectations

If you have grown up in an environment where achievement and success are highly emphasized, you can foster perfectionistic tendencies without even realizing it. Out of a genuine fear of disappointing your loved ones, you may feel more inclined to strive for unattainable perfection to earn their recognition and respect.

Social Media

Another probable cause of perfectionism is social media and the internet as a whole. The rise of social media has created a culture of comparison, where individuals constantly measure their worth against carefully curated online personas. This comparison trap can fuel perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy between you and everyone you follow.

Cultural and Societal Pressures

Societal standards of beauty, success, and identity can be particularly challenging for young adults and members of the LGBTQIAP+ community. Knowing that there’s an underlying message of what image is considered accepted in society can push you to conform to unrealistic ideals, even if it goes against your identity, beliefs, and values. 

Embracing Progress Over Perfection:

After identifying the cause of your need to attain perfection, the next step is to determine the right solution. One way to do so is to change the way you look at yourself and the world by following any one of these practices. 

Self-compassion

Cultivating self-compassion is crucial for overcoming perfectionism. It’s important to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.

Realistic Goal Setting

Another practice is to set achievable goals. Instead of working toward perfection, try to celebrate your progress, no matter how small. In addition, develop a growth mindset that embraces learning and development rather than fixating on flawless outcomes. This strategy will help you see things in a more optimistic light.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

If you ever catch yourself veering in the opposite direction and indulging in negative thoughts, try to nip them in the bud. Try to replace your self-criticism with positive affirmations and constructive self-talk, which can help you appreciate yourself and see your worth.

Seeking Support

Finally, seek professional counseling or support groups, particularly in the context of the LGBTQIAP+ community. Understanding that you have a safe space to share experiences and receive validation can be immensely beneficial for your overall well-being.

Conclusion

Perfectionism is a formidable adversary, especially for young adults and members of the LGBTQIAP+ community — the pursuit of progress over perfection is a great way to combat it. 

This approach offers a pathway to empowerment, resilience, and improved mental well-being. By fostering self-compassion, embracing imperfections, and seeking support, you can break free from the shackles of perfectionism and cultivate a healthier, happier, and more authentic life. Remember, embracing progress is not a sign of weakness — it is a powerful testament to one’s strength and courage in navigating life’s journey.