Teen Perfectionism: A Ticking Time Bomb for Mental Health
Perfectionism is on the rise and scarily it's correlated with a rise in mental health concerns among teenagers.
Feeling the pressure to be perfect is something many teens grapple with today, and it's taking a toll on their mental health. In this episode of The Right Mind Media Podcast, hosts Jon Cohan and Gabrielle 'Abby' Dean sit down with Dr. Rachel Merson, Associate Clinical Director of the Child and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at Boston University. They dive into the rising trend of teen perfectionism and its dangerous sidekick, anxiety. Dr.
Merson sheds light on how excessively high personal standards and intense self-criticism can spiral into severe issues like eating disorders, depression, high blood pressure, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. She explains that perfectionism can be self-imposed or perceived as coming from external pressures, leading to a downward spiral of negative thinking that impacts self-esteem and happiness.
She also points out that spending too much time on tasks and placing a high value on achievement in school can fuel this toxic mix. But it's not all doom and gloom. Dr. Merson offers practical strategies to help teens navigate these challenges, such as empathizing with their struggles, challenging their perfectionistic beliefs, and reinforcing their ability to handle tough situations.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand and support teens dealing with the heavy burden of perfectionism and anxiety.