If getting things done feels impossible, you’re not alone. What’s often labeled as laziness or lack of motivation may actually be executive dysfunction, a nervous system response shaped by trauma, chronic stress, ADHD, or burnout. This article breaks down what executive dysfunction really feels like, how it connects to survival states, and what trauma-informed support can look like.

What’s the difference between a crisis and trauma? This article explores how the body responds to overwhelming events, the different types of trauma, and why understanding these distinctions matters for healing. Grounded in trauma-informed care and written by a Los Angeles–based therapist.