Good grades. Constant practice. Always being on. When does it stretch your teen too thin? Perfectionism in your teen takes a toll on their mental health. Sometimes, it can even be a sign of something deeper.

Adolescent mental health treatment can help when your teen can’t cope with the stress of perfectionism. Find the help they need by reaching out to 888.904.5947 today.

What Perfectionism Looks Like

Perfectionism is often portrayed as a desirable trait associated with success and high achievement. In reality, perfectionism can have negative consequences, especially for teenagers who are already dealing with the pressures of school, social life, and personal development.

In teens, perfectionism can manifest in several ways:

• Setting impossibly high standards for themselves
• Becoming overly critical of their own performance
• Constantly seeking validation and approval from others
• Being unable to accept mistakes or failure
• Feeling anxious or stressed when things don’t go according to plan

What may seem like determination and a strong work ethic could actually be signs of perfectionism in your teen.

Where Does Perfectionism Come From?

Perfectionism can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetics – Hereditary traits can make some individuals more prone to perfectionism.
• Personality – Introverted people, those with neurotic tendencies, and those with Type A personalities may be more likely to develop perfectionist tendencies.
• Expectations and pressure – Educational, parental, and cultural expectations can contribute to the development of perfectionism.
• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) – Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to perfectionism as a way of coping with stress and anxiety.

Your teen’s mental health is a complex interplay of these and other factors, and perfectionism may just be one piece of the puzzle. OCD, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions can all be influenced by—and can, in turn, influence—perfectionism.

How Perfectionism Affects Teen Mental Health

Many times, perfectionist thoughts or behaviors can fuel other mental health issues. Mental health issues can also trigger perfectionistic tendencies.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts and sometimes compulsive behaviors that can be triggered by perfectionistic tendencies. For example, a teen with OCD who plays an instrument may feel the need to play a certain number of notes or practice for a specific amount of time, even if it’s causing physical pain or interfering with other activities.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are often associated with perfectionism. The desire to have complete control over one’s body and appearance can lead to restrictive eating habits and unhealthy behaviors in an attempt to achieve an idealized image.

Other Mental Health Conditions

Perfectionism can also be a symptom of or co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and social phobia. It can exacerbate symptoms and make it difficult for teens to ask for help. Admitting they’re struggling or seeking treatment may feel like admitting failure.

Helping Your Teen Find Balance

As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child struggle with perfectionism and its effects on their mental health. Here are some ways you can help:

• Encourage open communication – Create a safe space for your teen to talk about their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment.
• Help them set realistic goals – Teach your teen the importance of setting achievable goals and accepting that mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of growth.
• Set a good example – Be mindful of your own expectations and how you talk about success and failure.
• Talk about realistic expectations – Help your teen understand that perfection is unattainable and encourage them to focus on progress rather than perfection.

Sometimes, you won’t have the answers. When perfectionism begins to negatively impact your teen’s mental health, treatment can help.

Mental Health Treatment for Teens at Family First

We know how tough it can be to encourage your teen to strike a better balance. Wanting your teen to be successful is normal; however, when their perfectionism begins to take a toll on their mental health, it may be time to seek professional support.

Call us at 888.904.5947 or contact us online for help.