Olena, a psychologist at the free psychological help hotline of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), helped to understand what the delayed life syndrome is and how to recognize it in yourself.

Delayed life syndrome: what is this condition?

First of all, it is worth noting that delayed life syndrome is not a disorder or a disease.

This is a psychological phenomenon that a person feels when his life seems to stop or "pause".

In this case, she seems to be waiting for a certain moment: returning home, the end of the war, or other critical situations that will "bring real life back."

Currently, in Ukraine, the syndrome of delayed life is most often manifested in internally displaced persons, as well as in those people who temporarily moved abroad, fleeing from the war.

Such people do not allow themselves to live today:

  • not looking for a job;

  • do not meet new people;

  • do not integrate in the new community;

  • they don't buy anything new.

The psychologist points out that physically people with delayed life syndrome can do anything from the list, but they simply do not allow themselves to do it.

Instead, they are waiting for the right moment.

The main signs that a person suffers from the syndrome of delayed life

Such a psychological phenomenon is distinguished by a large number of different alarm bells.

Therefore, psychologist Olena offered a typical example of a person who postpones life for later.

To do this, you need to imagine a situation: a person was invited to coffee by her friend.

This person has money to go to a cafe, has time and a safe space.

There may even be a desire to meet a friend whom you have not seen for a long time.

However, she refuses, citing the fact that "while there is a war in the country, can you afford to have fun?".

And that's why a person says: "See you after the war."

That is, if a person has the desire and opportunity to do something, but he denies himself small joys for the time being, this is a syndrome of delayed life.

How to stop putting off life for later

It is worth noting that a long stay in such a state negatively affects all spheres of a person's life: professional, personal, social, etc.

The psychologist insists that the syndrome of delayed life can lead to the formation of false ideas about oneself and one's priorities, as well as cause the development of apathy or depression.

The expert believes that in order to stop putting off life for later, it is worth drawing a pyramid, which should be divided into three horizontal sectors:

  • Lower — sector of contact with the body

    .

    Set aside daily self-care rituals for yourself.

    It can be physical exercises, personal hygiene, diet.

  • Medium — contacts with society

    .

    Here you need to enter habits that you can use in everyday life.

    For example, greeting neighbors or sellers, going out for coffee with a friend, etc.

  • The upper one is contact with oneself

    .

    Pay attention to your desires, which will help you "stay afloat".

    Often people in difficult situations decide to keep a diary in which they write words of gratitude or share their experiences every day.

    • If there is an opportunity, it is also important to contact specialists who will help get rid of the syndrome of delayed life.