Indian society has a strong cultural tradition of academic and professional achievements, and the social pressure of perfectionism is usually present. Although the aim for high achievement can be inspiring, the persistent attempt to be perfect can be harmful to the mental health and well-being of Indian youth. Through this blog, we explore the high cost of perfectionism and how it profoundly affects the mental health of Indian youth.

The Culture of Achievement and Perfection

Since childhood, Indian youth have been constantly bombarded with phrases that praise academic success, career, and status. The pressure from societal expectations is very high, and hence, the purpose to excel in every aspect of life is very high; that is why failure or imperfection is unacceptable. Hence, the youths end up having these unrealistic standards, and perfectionism is generated in the hope of getting societal approval and validation.

The Mental Health Toll of Perfectionism

Perfectionism, which means the tendency to push for the best and setting the standards too high, can have a very negative impact on the mental health of Indian youth. The fear of fiasco and rejection, which are the main features of perfectionism in itself, can result in prolonged stress, anxiety, and depression. Continuous self-criticism and harsh self-evaluation are the leading causes of feelings of inferiority and, thus, self-esteem and, thus, the very cycle of negative emotions and behaviours of individuals.

Academic Pressure and Burnout

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The Indian education system is fiercely competitive, and the pressure to achieve academic success is very high. Many young people experience too much stress and anxiety as they struggle with challenging academics, entrance exams, and the societal pressure of being successful. The constant hunt for excellence in studies has caused the students to become tired and exhausted and have bad mental health.

Social Comparison and Self-Worth

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In the present time, when social media and the internet are all around us, Indian youth are being faced with relentless exposure to the portrayal of success and accomplishment. The fact that society is highly opinionated about the standards that certain people set makes young people do acts of comparison, which causes feelings of inferiority and self-doubt because they measure their self-worth with the high standards that others set. Perfectionism makes this process even more difficult, as people want to keep this image of perfection to get social approval and validation.

Breaking the Cycle of Perfectionism

Tackling the high cost of perfectionism requires a comprehensive strategy that includes individual, family, and societal measures. The issues regarding mental health and societal norms, which are why students are the victims of perfectionism, should be addressed, and solutions should be provided to avoid perfectionism being the cause of the student's failure. Besides, setting up a culture that encourages the people to be proud of their effort, growth, and authenticity rather than perfection can be the way to create a healthy mindset among the Indian youth.

Seeking Support and Professional Help

It's necessary for the Indian youth who are grappling with perfectionism and its impact on their mental health to seek assistance and professional help when they are needed. Therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness practices, and stress management methods can assist people in acquiring healthier coping mechanisms and eliminating perfectionistic habits. Creating a circle of friends, family, and mentors ready to help in the hard times can also be a boon to emotional support for you.

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The excessive demands of perfectionism take away a lot from the mental health and well-being of Indian youth, thus causing stress, anxiety, and depression to be chronic. Through the recognition of the negative impact of perfectionism and the encouragement of a culture of self-compassion, authenticity, and resilience, we will be able to create a healthier and more supportive environment in which Indian youth can. It is now time to question the prevailing mindset of success and put mental health above the perfection.

Note: Heart It Out offers frequent therapy sessions to help reduce people's distress. Feel free to visit our website to speak with one of our licensed therapists or other health professionals. You can also schedule an online or offline session with one of our psychotherapists in Bangalore.