Expert Warns Procrastination Could Signal A Deeper Mental Health Issue

A mental health expert has issued a serious warning for those who find themselves constantly putting things off, explaining that procrastination might not just be about poor time management — it could be linked to deeper emotional or psychological struggles.

Most of us have done it before — avoiding small tasks like doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or finishing a project until the very last minute. It often feels harmless or even normal, especially when life gets busy. But according to experts, when procrastination becomes frequent or extreme, it may point to something more concerning.

One specialist has highlighted how this pattern, especially in teenagers, can sometimes signal underlying issues that deserve attention rather than being brushed off as laziness or lack of motivation.

According to a report by The Express, new research suggests that frequent procrastination might be linked to mental health conditions like low self-esteem. Because of this, experts recommend that parents and caregivers seek professional advice if these behaviors seem persistent or out of control.

Fiona Yassin, a leading therapist at The Wave Clinic, explained: "Procrastinating behaviour can be a warning sign to parents that their child is suffering with low self-esteem."

She added that recent studies show a strong connection between procrastination and self-doubt — two traits that can feed into each other and make a young person’s struggles even harder to overcome.

Procrastinating behaviour can be a sign of low self-esteem Getty Stock Photo

"Adolescents with low self-esteem may have less belief in their ability to complete a task well, causing them to avoid it," she explained, describing how young people who doubt their own abilities often avoid tasks out of fear they won’t perform well.

"Lower motivation and self-expectation traits connected to low self-esteem may also lead to procrastination."

The therapist continued, emphasizing how avoiding tasks can lead to a dangerous cycle of low self-worth and negative thinking: "On the other hand, procrastination can also lead to low self-esteem among adolescents. Procrastination is associated with poorer academic performance which can make young people feel less good about themselves."

Yassin noted that putting off responsibilities — whether it’s school assignments, chores, or other obligations — can have real consequences for both a teenager’s mental and physical health. Over time, the constant delay and pressure can increase stress, guilt, and anxiety, making everyday life harder to manage.

"These negative emotions might further harm a young person's self-esteem, reinforcing a vicious cycle of low self-esteem and procrastination," she said, describing how this pattern can trap young people in a harmful loop of emotional distress and avoidance.

So what steps can families take to break that cycle and offer meaningful support?

Procrastination could be a sign of more serious mental health problems Getty Stock Photo

Yassin said therapy can play a big role — and in some cases, it helps for the entire family to take part. Family involvement, she noted, can help identify unhealthy patterns and rebuild communication and trust at home.

As reported by The Express, she explained: "Sometimes procrastination is driven by ongoing parental pressure or expectations that can induce anxiety and stress."

"In these instances, family therapy and other interventions can aid parents and youngsters in establishing healthy behavioural dynamics that foster high self-esteem and self-efficacy."

"Therapeutic methods including group therapy sessions can also tackle insecure attachment styles and childhood experiences that might contribute to procrastination."