By Iman Mansoor

What if executive dysfunction wasn’t a flaw in your brain—but a survival strategy?

In today's interconnected world, young people are increasingly exposed to the psychological effects of global conflicts, from Palestine to Ukraine and Sudan to Syria. While many are not directly in war zones, the impact of secondhand exposure through media, news, and social platforms is profound. Youth of all ages are experiencing anxiety, grief, survivor's guilt, and a growing sense of helplessness.

What if the moments you feel most “broken” are not signs of failure, but signals of wisdom?In a culture that worships speed, productivity, and linear progress, those who move differently—who pause, freeze, spiral, or stall—are too often misdiagnosed as lazy, disordered, or dysfunctional. But what if executive dysfunction isn’t a glitch to be fixed, but a form of embodied resistance? What if your brain isn’t behind—just wired differently?

Compassion fatigue and burnout are closely related psychological conditions that commonly affect individuals in caregiving and helping professions. Compassion fatigue, also known as secondary traumatic stress, stems from prolonged exposure to others' suffering and trauma, leading to emotional depletion, decreased empathy, and a sense of helplessness. In contrast, burnout is a broader occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress, characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism or depersonalization, and reduced professional efficacy. While compassion fatigue is more specific to emotionally intense care roles, burnout can affect individuals across a wide range of professions. Both conditions can impair personal well-being and professional performance, highlighting the importance of early identification, supportive work environments, and ongoing self-care strategies.

Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet conditions like depression and anxiety continue to be widely misunderstood. Though they often co-occur and share some symptoms, they are distinct conditions with unique emotional, physical, and cognitive characteristics. This blog aims to provide a clear and accessible comparison between depression and anxiety, especially in relation to older adults and the unique stressors they may face.