Many people who’ve experienced trauma carry a heavy burden of self-blame.
They say things like:
“I know what I should do… but I just can’t start. I’m useless.”
Or:
“I’ve let everyone down because I can’t even do simple things.”
But here’s the truth:
Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s protection.
The Nervous System and “Freeze”
After trauma, the nervous system can become locked into survival mode.
This means even simple tasks can feel:
- Overwhelming
- Risky
- Exhausting
Instead of moving into action, the body and mind choose safety through freeze, shut down, or avoidance.
Specific Examples After Trauma
Here’s how this looks in real life at Trauma Reset:
✅ Paperwork Avoidance
One client avoided opening letters from the council. She feared they might contain bad news, fines, or things that could destabilise her fragile sense of control.
From the outside, it looked like irresponsibility. But internally, it was her nervous system avoiding potential threats.
✅ Social Invitations
Another client wanted to reconnect with friends but found herself cancelling plans at the last minute.
Not because she didn’t care — but because socialising felt unsafe and overstimulating, linked to past experiences of betrayal.
✅ Medical Appointments
A man avoided scheduling his GP check-up, despite knowing his health depended on it. But hospitals triggered memories of earlier traumatic experiences.
✅ Workplace Procrastination
A client struggled to submit reports on time. Every time she tried to finish, her chest tightened, and she’d dissociate.
Her body remembered past trauma connected to criticism and humiliation.
The Conflict Inside
For trauma survivors, procrastination often feels like an internal war:
- One part wants change and progress.
- Another part is slamming on the brakes.
This isn’t about laziness. It’s about protection.
A Personal Story
A woman once shared:
“I keep meaning to start therapy, but every time I pick up the phone, my hands shake, and I put it down. I hate that I’m so weak.”
She wasn’t weak.
Her body was protecting her from vulnerability — because opening up once led to pain.
Once she realised this was a protective reflex, not laziness, the shame began to ease.
She started with small steps: sending an enquiry email instead of calling. A few weeks later, she felt ready to book a session.
A Useful Nugget: A Trauma-Informed Reflection
If you find yourself procrastinating, try asking:
“What might feel unsafe about doing this right now?”
Even if the answer seems irrational, it makes sense to the part of you that’s trying to keep you safe.
Understanding the fear doesn’t mean you have to act immediately. It simply softens the inner battle.
A Different Way Forward
Procrastination isn’t weakness. It’s a sign your mind and body are working overtime to protect you from imagined danger — even if that danger is no longer real.
Healing isn’t about forcing yourself to “just do it.” It’s about helping your nervous system feel safe enough to take gentle steps forward.
Because procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s protection.
And with kindness and small steps, you can gradually turn avoidance into action — without overwhelming yourself.
Lesley Ford
Mulit Award Winning Hypnotherapist in Cheltenham
16th July 2025