Acquired perfectionism typically defines the traits of a person with an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The brain is constantly interpreting fear, anxiety, and other uncomfortable feelings, as avenues to “behave” to get rid of them. This is mainly due to the aftermath of a traumatic experience – fresh or old.
Some of the experiences that can cause one to exhibit OCD tendencies include bullying, hypercriticism, and pure abuse, to mention but a few.
Bullying teaches the mind not to trust or love itself. As such it forces the victim to behave obsessively with perfectionistic goals – be it with how they treat themselves or others.
Hypercriticism is normally an after-effect of a traumatic experience, it makes one believe in extreme measures to motivate themselves. As such adopting hypercritical means to attain a perfectionist goal.
Abuse, in any form or manner, can dampen one’s ability to love or trust themselves. Childhood abuse is usually the orchestrator of many advanced types we see and hear of these days. As such a child may grow up with a distorted esteem and to correct it in adulthood develop maladaptive ways in the process. Such as having a perfectionistic way of pursuing or managing a feat.
Understanding the strong impact of OCD, such as burning out from exhaustive means of attaining perfection, will enable its management. Likewise, ways one can display its symptoms.
The likely traits of one with an OCD spans beyond cleanliness and orderliness, it also encapsulates how one thinks and lives life. The sufferers are usually aberrant and erratic in their thinking and decision-making, they’re repetitive with their behavior and almost difficult to course-correct.
However, the advantages are thoroughness and consistency, despite the disorder aspect.
Whenever you encounter someone with OCD, it begs you to be compassionate toward their ordeal. The majority of the sufferers do not know they’re suffering from it and most can’t help it even if they do. Rather than take a jab at them by reminding them of how extremely clean and organized their closet or pantry seems, be forthright also with them about seeking help or aiding them.
If you think you suffer from OCD, you are best diagnosed when you visit a mental health professional, who will evaluate you and give you the best possible approach or therapy, (practical or otherwise), to manage your symptoms. It often begins with your ability to be mindful of your daily habits and how the symptoms interfere with your life before seeking help. If you’re a sufferer or a recoverer, you must be aware that OCD is treatable, you can either enable or disable it. It gets better as you control the voice in your head. Good Luck too.
Thanks for taking the time to read