Chasing perfection in career and relationships can take a toll on mental health

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, success is often measured by career growth, financial stability, social status and personal life milestones. Ambition can motivate people to grow and improve, but when the pressure to keep succeeding in career, relationships and personal life becomes constant, it starts to affect mental health. Dr Hamza Hussain, head of the department of psychiatry and mental health at Ruby Hall Clinic, spoke about this in detail.

Expectations tied to career often become a major source of stress. Fear of failure, job insecurity, workplace competition and the constant need to prove oneself can create prolonged stress. Many people start linking their professional success to their own self-worth, so even a small setback or failure at work can feel like a personal failure. Over time, this can result in anxiety, mental fatigue, low self-confidence and emotional exhaustion.

The pressure of expectations is also felt in relationships. Finding a partner, getting married, maintaining a "perfect" relationship or living up to family expectations are shaped by expectations set by society. Social media adds to this pressure. Seeing curated posts showing other people's happy relationships, successful careers and content lives makes people compare themselves to others. This comparison can lead to feelings of inferiority, loneliness and shattered expectations.

Expectations around personal life can also add to mental stress. Many people try to keep up their personality, looks, health, financial condition, friendships and lifestyle while also managing work and family responsibilities. The belief that "everything in life should be organised and go according to plan" makes it difficult to accept mistakes, uncertainty or hard times.

When there is no room left to rest, to accept failure or to express one's feelings, this pressure can become dangerous for mental health. Many people suppress their emotions, avoid asking for help, and continue with their daily lives despite being mentally distressed. If such stress continues for a long time, it can affect sleep, concentration, relationships and physical health. Prolonged emotional stress can sometimes turn into more serious mental health problems.

This is why it is important to understand that success is not a fixed goal or the same concept for everyone. Every person's circumstances, priorities and life journey are different. Taking time to rest, setting realistic expectations, and nurturing close and meaningful relationships can bring a healthier balance to life.

Most importantly, when stress or emotional difficulties start to feel overwhelming, seeking expert help is not a weakness but a positive step towards taking care of one's mental health. Ultimately, a healthy and happy life should not be measured only by how much a person has achieved, but also by how safe, valued and mentally at peace they feel.