Psychologist Links Excessive Perfectionism and Inner Criticism to Mental Disorders

Psychologist Anastasia Cardiakos highlights that when an individual loses their sense of joy and their mind is filled with negative thoughts, many consider this a negative trait that affects their mental state and overall behavior.

According to Cardiakos, psychologists sometimes describe the internal experience as "inner contradiction," explaining that a person may become so accustomed to the voice of internal criticism that they fail to notice its adverse impact on the most joyful moments of their life.

She pointed out that the roots of this condition are linked to the mechanism of change, noting that the brain may interpret even desired positive changes as threats to stability. This can result in feelings of anxiety when approaching life transitions such as changing jobs, traveling, or sudden alterations in daily routines.

Cardiakos added that emotional contradictions are a natural part of human experience, emphasizing the importance of viewing emotions from a broader perspective rather than categorizing them as "right" or "wrong." She explained that the duality of emotions relates to the complexity of the human psyche, and sometimes a person may feel a mixture of joy toward a situation not necessarily connected to the event itself but to its reflections on them.

She also noted that prolonged internal tension or psychological conflict lasting more than six weeks may warrant concern, especially when a person begins to lose focus on the present and becomes preoccupied with comparisons to what should have been. This can weaken their ability to engage with reality.

Cardiakos warned that continued hesitation and conflict among different choices can disrupt decision-making and lead to long-term emotional fluctuations. If internal pressure persists over extended periods, it may develop into psychological exhaustion or breakdown.

She concluded by affirming that excessive perfectionism and low self-esteem often arise when current achievements no longer provide satisfaction due to constant comparison with an idealized mental image. She called for redirecting this mindset and stopping the comparison of oneself to unrealistic ideal perceptions.