It’s a term that holds both a positive and negative connotation – perfectionism. Perfectionism is a trait that many will humbly turn to when asked what their biggest weakness is in a job interview. However, for people who truly experience perfectionism, the impact can often be torturous.

Whether it’s lying next to a river, hiking up a mountain or walking through a field of greenery most of us can attest to the enjoyment and contentment we find when we immerse ourselves in nature. So, what is behind this near universal phenomenon? And how deeply can it impact upon our wellbeing?

It is easy for us to label people displaying narcissistic traits as simply arrogant or manipulative, however in doing so we are often missing a larger piece to the puzzle of narcissism. There are often deep-rooted causes behind these behaviours and cognitions, many which began in one’s first few years of life.

Most of us have experienced paranoia at some point. Perhaps it was within the context of a romantic relationship, maybe it was regarding the intentions of a colleague at work or perhaps it is something you experience when walking home at night. These are all relatively common experiences, however for people with paranoid personality disorder, these tendencies can become problematic in almost all aspects of life.

I’ll get it done tomorrow … it’s really not that important … it won’t take long to do. These are some of the excuses we tend to use when we are avoiding engaging in a task we have been set to complete, or in other words when we are procrastinating.

Often misunderstood and labelled as loners, awkward or cold, schizoid personality disorder is a mental illness that is not well known and highly misunderstood. Schizoid personality disorder is a mental illness that refers to people who exhibit a pattern of detachment from social relationships as well as a limited expression of emotions, particularly in relation to other people.

Do you tend to find yourself feeling worried or nervous about seemingly small situations? Do you get self-conscious or embarrassed easily? Do you find it difficult to cope with stress? If you answered yes to these questions, you may be high on the trait of neuroticism.

Is it important for you to be there for others? Are you modest and humble about your accomplishments? Do you feel a strong sense of empathy when you come across people in need? If so, you might be high in the personality trait of agreeableness.

Would you rather spend a Friday night out at a busy bar or curled up on the couch watching your favourite movie? Do you prefer attending parties and large gatherings or small and intimate catch ups? Are you the type of person who is loud and vocal at social events or do you tend to be quieter and speak to one or two people at a time? Depending on the way in which you answered these questions, this may give some indication as to whether you are introverted or extroverted.

Are you the sort of person who won’t stop working until the task at hand is complete? Are you generally well organised and reliable? Is it important for you to excel in your studies and career? If so, you might be high in the personality trait of conscientiousness.