Educational orientation — not a diagnosis

Perfectionism, harsh self-criticism or fear of mistakes

High standards can become harmful when worth depends on flawless performance and mistakes trigger shame, avoidance or overwork.

Important safety note

Immediate danger, suicidal intent, violence, severe confusion, sudden loss of function or loss of contact with reality require urgent local emergency or medical support.

Open crisis guidance →

Common signs

What people may notice

Tasks take far longer than necessary
Difficulty finishing or submitting work
Repeated checking and reassurance seeking
Avoiding new tasks for fear of failure
Success brings relief rather than satisfaction

Several possibilities

This pattern may be associated with

Unhelpful perfectionism

Anxiety or obsessive-compulsive patterns

Shame and low self-worth

Workplace, family or cultural pressure

This list is not exhaustive and does not establish a diagnosis.

When support may be useful

Look at persistence and impact

Standards prevent completion
Self-criticism is constant
Rest, relationships or health are sacrificed

Physical health and safety

What should not be overlooked

Array
Array
Array

Prepare for a useful consultation

Information worth noting

When it began and what was happening at the time.
Frequency, duration, triggers and what reduces or worsens it.
Sleep, appetite, energy, medicines, substances and medical conditions.
Effect on work, study, relationships and daily safety.

Clinical content principles

PRJI educational pages distinguish orientation from diagnosis, include physical-health cautions and direct urgent situations to local services. Content is informed by public mental-health information from WHO, NHS and NIMH and must be clinically reviewed before commercial launch.