You’re Not Lazy: When Exhaustion Deserves a Closer Look

When you’re perpetually exhausted, struggling to begin ordinary tasks, or no longer enjoying things you used to, it can be easy to call yourself lazy. These experiences can also be signs of depression or another difficulty that deserves attention, rather than judgment.

For some children of immigrants, that judgment carries a particular weight. We may have watched our parents work through hardship without much room to rest. When we can’t push through in the same way, we may feel that we’ve failed them or hear that message from people around us. It can be hard to recognize what we’re experiencing when “lazy” is the only word we’ve been given for it.

In therapy, we can slow down and put more accurate language to what is happening. We might explore what has changed (or hasn’t changed), what you’ve been carrying, and what gets in the way of caring for yourself. Together, we can identify a small, manageable step as a place to begin.

If this feels familiar, feel free to reach out to see whether working together would be a good fit.

If you’re thinking about suicide or need support right now, call or text 988 in the U.S., or visit my crisis resources. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.