Procrastinating is not just taking away your time: Experts warn of a health risk hiding behind missed deadlines

When you put off a task for “just a little while,” it might seem harmless — even normal. But experts warn that procrastination could be a symptom of something deeper, often linked to anxiety, perfectionism, or even low self-esteem. According to mental health specialists, the habit of delaying work doesn’t just steal time; it can quietly erode confidence and emotional wellbeing

In a report by Express, Fiona Yassin, founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic, cautioned parents that what may look like ordinary laziness or distraction in teenagers could actually signal mental health distress. “Procrastinating behaviour can be a warning sign to parents that their child is suffering with low self-esteem,” she explained.

Yassin highlighted a “two-way relationship” between procrastination and low self-worth. Teens with low confidence often avoid tasks for fear of failure, while repeated delays lead to guilt, stress, and worsening self-image — creating a damaging cycle. She added that parental pressure, high expectations, or perfectionist tendencies can make this worse, pushing young people toward avoidance instead of action.

What Science Says About Procrastination
Research cited by Healthline shows that procrastination is less about poor time management and more about emotional regulation. People delay tasks not because they’re lazy, but because they’re trying to escape uncomfortable emotions — stress, boredom, or self-doubt.

Chronic procrastinators often experience anxiety, frustration, or fatigue when deadlines loom. This emotional rollercoaster can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and burnout. Studies also link procrastination with conditions like ADHD, where difficulty focusing or managing impulses fuels the delay loop.

The Silent Emotional Trap
Experts emphasize that procrastination creates a false sense of relief. By avoiding a task, one momentarily escapes discomfort — but only temporarily. As deadlines approach, the same stress resurfaces, often magnified. Yassin warned that this cycle can be especially harmful for young people, as it fosters feelings of guilt and inadequacy that can linger into adulthood.

“Painful emotions might further harm a young person’s self-esteem,” she noted in the Express report. “This reinforces a vicious cycle of low self-esteem and procrastination.”

Break the Cycle
Experts suggest that breaking procrastination patterns requires both compassion and structure. Yassin recommended therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals manage negative thoughts and emotional triggers.

Family therapy, she added, can also help if procrastination stems from household pressures or perfectionist expectations. Group therapy and attachment-focused approaches may benefit those whose avoidance behaviours are rooted in insecurity or fear of criticism.

Meanwhile, Healthline advises practical steps such as setting smaller goals, rewarding progress, and forgiving past mistakes. Building self-compassion, experts say, can reduce the shame that fuels chronic delay.

Procrastination might seem like a harmless habit or a temporary lapse in motivation. But psychologists and therapists agree: it can mask deeper struggles with anxiety, self-doubt, or perfectionism. Whether in teens or adults, persistent delays can quietly chip away at mental health.