You walk into the workplace, and on the surface, everything seems fine. You’re productive, reliable, maybe even the one everyone calls “hardworking.” But underneath, you might notice a different story — the constant busyness, the urge to escape when conflict arises, or the way you keep yourself invisible so no one can criticize you. This isn’t laziness or avoidance. It could be your flight trauma response rooted in an old neglect wound.
When you grew up feeling unseen, unheard, or left on your own too often, your nervous system likely learned that safety comes from doing rather than being. In the workplace, this might look like:
Always staying busy so no one can accuse you of not contributing.
Avoiding confrontation by saying “yes” to tasks, even when you’re overwhelmed.
Keeping to yourself instead of asking for help or collaboration.
Disappearing into perfectionism or over-preparing to avoid criticism.
On the outside, you look dependable. Inside, you may feel anxious, disconnected, or unseen. The flight response pushes you to outrun feelings of inadequacy, but it also keeps you from showing up fully as yourself — your creativity, leadership, and voice often remain hidden.
The tricky part? Workplaces often reward the flight response. “Busy” looks like productivity, and “silent” looks like compliance. But over time, this pattern can leave you burned out, resentful, and disconnected from your true value.
Healing starts when you notice these patterns without shame. You begin to ask: Am I running away from discomfort, or am I making a choice that truly aligns with me? You practice slowing down, letting yourself be visible, and trusting that your worth is not tied to how much you produce.
You don’t have to keep outrunning your past. There’s a different way to belong at work — one where you feel both seen and safe.
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to learn more about yourself — reach out to book your first session.
Sandra Ragheb
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