Perfectionism: The Hidden Epidemic with Dr. Margaret Robinson Rutherford

Are you battling perfectionism? Did you know that perfectionism is a hidden epidemic in our culture?

Today's special guest Dr. Margaret Robinson Rutherford, a psychologist in private practice for over 25 years, explains, "Perfectionism is a critical aspect of depression that gets far too little attention these days. It is common knowledge that we live in a social media-driven society, where everyone is trying to just post the "highlight" reel of their lives as opposed to the messy truth. This emphasis on perfection, especially in the social media world, is leading to an uptick in depression and anxiety. The emotional battles which ensue are also known to result in suicide and for many of the people afflicted, there seems to be no "reason"—they seemed happy, engaged in life, successful, well-liked."

Many people deny and repress emotional pain, but research is showing an increased pressure to have the perfect life—especially to feel significant pressure to meet the perceived constant high expectations of others (what’s termed socially-prescribed perfectionism and is the deadliest and most dangerous type of perfectionism)—is having devastating consequences.

In Dr. Rutherford's new book Perfectly Hidden Depression: How to Break Free from the Perfectionism that Masks Your Depression. she offers a comprehensive healing pathway out of this secret hell. She uses her life experiences, along with the stories of others who’ve identified with this overlooked presentation of depression, to gently but assertively move the reader toward a life no longer governed by inflexible beliefs but lived with increased freedom and true joy. She reveals the syndrome of perfectly hidden depression (a term that she created), what causes it, how it differs from classic depression, and what you can do about it.