Authority at work can be so triggering because it can resemble the power dynamic you experienced as a child. Caregivers or abusers had power and were unpredictable, critical, controlling, abusive, or unsafe. When you are in a subordinate role at work, your nervous system may respond as if you are in danger once again.
The nervous system may react strongly to supervisors, evaluations, criticism, being watched, being corrected, or feeling like you are “in trouble.” Even neutral authority figures can be triggering. You may find that you or parts of your dissociative system become extremely anxious about making mistakes, disappointing others, being judged, or getting in trouble.
This page is part of the DID and Work section of the CommuniDID site, which explains how switching, internal disagreement, and variable capacity influence work life and explores options for disclosure, accommodations, and navigating workplace challenges safely.
Explore more:
- Questions about DID and Work
- Finding the Right Work Accommodations for You is a free PDF you can download to identify which accommodations may help you at work.
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