Perfectionism is both a driver and a symptom of postpartum depression. Understanding this relationship is essential for breaking the cycle.
How Perfectionism Feeds Postpartum Depression
- Perfectionist standards are unachievable, guaranteeing chronic disappointment
- Harsh self-criticism when falling short of perfect standards directly drives postpartum depression
- Procrastination (a perfectionism avoidance strategy) creates shame and increases postpartum depression
- The gap between standards and reality is a constant source of postpartum depression
Types of Perfectionism in Postpartum Depression
Self-oriented perfectionism: Unrealistically high personal standards Other-oriented perfectionism: Unrealistically high standards for others Socially prescribed perfectionism: Belief that others demand perfection from you
The last type has the strongest link to postpartum depression.
Moving from Perfectionism to Excellence
Excellence — doing your best with available resources — is compatible with postpartum depression management. Perfectionism — doing it perfectly or not at all — is not.
CBT and ACT are particularly effective for the perfectionism-postpartum depression cycle.