The Pressure to Be Perfect: Managing Unrealistic Expectations in Young Adulthood
In today’s world, young adults face an overwhelming pressure to achieve — academically, professionally, and personally. Social media, societal standards, and self-imposed expectations often create a constant sense of inadequacy. At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe, a highly qualified counselling psychologist, provides mental health counselling in Northmead to help young adults manage perfectionism, restore balance, and rediscover self-worth.
Understanding the Roots of Perfectionism
Perfectionism often begins with the desire to succeed or be accepted. However, when achievement becomes linked to self-worth, it can lead to chronic anxiety, burnout, and depression.
Young adults today may feel they must always:
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Excel academically or in their careers
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Maintain ideal relationships or appearances
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Stay productive at all times
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Avoid failure at any cost
These unrealistic standards create a cycle of pressure and self-criticism that can deeply affect emotional wellbeing.
The Emotional Impact of Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations can feel like a constant inner voice that says, “You’re not doing enough.” This mindset often leads to:
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Persistent anxiety and tension
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Low self-esteem and fear of failure
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Difficulty relaxing or feeling satisfied
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Emotional exhaustion and burnout
Through mental health counselling in Northmead, Laurika Lubbe helps clients explore the underlying beliefs that fuel perfectionism, fostering healthier thinking patterns and greater self-compassion.
How Counselling Helps You Break Free
Therapy is not about lowering your standards — it’s about redefining success in a way that supports your emotional health. During sessions at Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe provides a safe, non-judgmental space where young adults can:
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Identify unhelpful thought patterns that drive perfectionistic behaviour.
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Learn cognitive and emotional regulation tools to manage stress.
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Build self-acceptance and resilience by embracing imperfection.
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Develop realistic goals and expectations aligned with personal values.
Laurika’s counselling approach integrates empathy, evidence-based techniques, and practical coping strategies tailored to each client’s unique experience.Why Young Adults Are Especially Vulnerable
The transition to adulthood brings uncertainty — career changes, independence, identity formation, and financial responsibility. Social media adds another layer of comparison, making it easy to believe that everyone else is doing better. This creates a constant state of “not enough,” leaving many feeling isolated or lost.
Mental health counselling in Northmead can help you regain perspective, build self-confidence, and find peace with where you are — not just where you think you should be.
About Laurika Lubbe – Counselling Psychologist in Benoni
With years of experience supporting adolescents and young adults, Laurika Lubbe understands how perfectionism and self-criticism can quietly erode mental health.
Her work at Mental Health Benoni is rooted in compassion, insight, and a deep respect for each person’s journey. She helps clients rediscover emotional balance through practical, empowering counselling that addresses both inner struggles and real-world challenges.
Start Your Journey Toward Self-Compassion
You don’t have to face the pressure to be perfect alone. With professional support, it’s possible to break free from impossible standards and live a more peaceful, authentic life.
Reach out to Laurika Lubbe at Mental Health Benoni today to schedule an appointment for mental health counselling in Northmead and take your first step toward emotional healing and self-acceptance.