Trauma Rewired cover image

Trauma Rewired

Perfectionism is a Trauma Response

May 30, 2023
52:31

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Perfectionism is a trauma response developed as a protective measure against rejection, abandonment, and worthlessness, but it ultimately leads to self-abandonment, unattainable goals, and chronic stress.
  • Perfectionism, rooted in childhood trauma, manifests in three types: self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented, causing increased stress, self-criticism, and compromised resilience.

Deep dives

The Cost of Perfectionism

Perfectionism, while often rewarded and celebrated in society, comes at a high cost to our bodies and overall well-being. The stress, unattainable goals, self-abandonment, and shame associated with perfectionism can be damaging. It is essential to differentiate between striving for excellence and being trapped in the harmful cycle of perfectionism. Perfectionism is a protective trauma response that stems from childhood trauma or neglect, where we learn to put extreme pressure on ourselves to be perfect in order to feel safe, loved, and accepted. However, the more we strive for perfection, the further we get from meeting our needs and finding genuine connection. Perfectionism is not sustainable and can lead to mental health issues, burnout, and dissatisfaction in life. Recognizing and challenging perfectionism is the first step towards fostering self-compassion and creating a healthier, more balanced approach in our lives.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode