Do you often feel like you can do everything by yourself? That’s what therapists describe as hyperindependence. It is the self-assurance that you can only rely on yourself. It is said to be a response to childhood trauma. If you have been left to fend for yourself since you are a child, then you become extremely self-reliant because you have learned through a series of life experiences- and let downs-that you have no other helper but yourself.
Here are signs that you, your friend, relative or neighbour is hyperindependent.
Reluctance to Ask for Help
You may find it difficult to ask for help or delegate tasks to others around you. Sometimes, you tend to take on too much responsibility or you simply can trust that someone else can do it right. You also have the tendency to refuse help automatically unless the person offering the help insists on rendering assistance to you.
You are a workaholic
Whether you put in extra hours to work or study, it becomes obvious to your colleagues. They point it out sometimes. This may also impact your relationship with loved ones.
You make decisions without consulting others
When you make important decisions in your life, you hardly seek the opinions or input of others. You alienate yourself from the voices of reason. Being open-minded to the perspectives of others does not make you a weak person. Rather, it helps you make informed decisions.
You experience frequent burnout
You are often exhausted and then you struggle to finish off a task. This can be accompanied by other health conditions such as depression, suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, sleep issues, reoccurring headaches, high blood pressure and others.
You have a reserved personality
You may appear cold, standoffish and reserved to others. Sometimes, you are mistakenly considered snobbish and unkind.
Perfectionism
Experts call perfectionism a double-edged sword: it can motivate you to deliver quality work and at the same time, it can be time-consuming.
