OCD & PERCFECTIONISM

Perfectionism, while often seen as a positive trait, can also be a significant mental health concern when it becomes a rigid and unhealthy standard. It involves setting impossibly high expectations for oneself and being overly critical when those standards aren't met. This can lead to a fear of failure that causes procrastination and avoidance of new tasks, as well as a preoccupation with flaws that can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Unlike OCD, perfectionism is not a recognized disorder in itself but a personality trait that can severely impact a person's well-being by stealing joy from accomplishments and creating a constant sense of not being "good enough. "​

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the compulsive behaviors a person feels driven to perform to alleviate the anxiety those thoughts cause. This can lead to significant disruptions in daily life, as these compulsions, like excessive hand-washing, checking locks, or arranging items, can be time-consuming and exhausting. The constant struggle to control these thoughts and behaviors can cause intense distress, interfere with work, school, and relationships, and lead to social withdrawal and feelings of shame.