Roots of Depression: Perfectionism and Disappointment

Depression and anxiety are chronic illnesses that complicate the management of other chronic diseases. Happiness and satisfaction are determined by expectations and perfectionism by definition represents a set of expectations that are entirely unrealistic. Perfectionism ensures constant disappointment. High standards and goals are the reason you are a good, successful person. High standards are great when they serve you. Perfectionism makes you a slave. It controls you instead of serving you.

Why? Think about it. Nothing is perfect. Your home isn’t perfect. Your kids aren’t perfect. Your husband isn’t perfect, and worst of all— The person you see in the mirror every morning is not perfect. On the positive side, the perfectionist performs well in whatever she does because she cares. When there is too much to deal with and she loses control depression causes performance to drop like a stone. Perfectionists are frequently disappointed, but they are usually depressed because they are most disappointed in themselves. Part of getting over depression and preventing further episodes is cutting yourself some slack. Your best will always be enough. That is one of the main lessons anyone struggling with depression needs to learn.