ATELOPHOBIA refers to an obsessive fear of imperfection. Atelophobic persons avoid experimenting with new ideas, fearing that they may fail. Our youth has been apparently badly affected by it.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, just 15 per cent of teenagers aged 13-18 years experience specific phobias, mainly atelophobia. The victims of atelophobia develop an extreme fear of imperfection. They feel terrified to go to lengths, and stop experimenting with new ideas.

This irrational fear makes its victims mentally numb. It leads to depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and a negative outlook towards life. It is one of the main causes behind the growing rate of teen suicides as well.

The youth is entrapping itself in this abnormal state of mind due to the common myth that perfectionism means the absence of flaws.

The fact is that perfectionism is a personality trait that enables people to reach high standards by striving hard within the limitations of their respective flaws while consciously trying to minimise the flaws to the extent that one can. It is a practical and positive approach. There is nothing negative about it till one makes the equation complex on the basis of twisted thinking.

This misconception has inculcated atelophobia in young minds. Imperfection is not a crime. It is a stepping stone towards success.

Mental health issues are often overlooked in all segments of our society. A possible solution might be to create a department under the federal ministry specifically dedicated to addressing mental health disorders among the young.

Kashish Ali
Kashmore

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2022