When Speaking Up Hurts: Whistleblowing, Toxic Workplaces, and Mental Health | Seanna Crosbie, LCSW-S – Therapist in Austin, Texas & California
The Hidden Toll of Workplace Toxicity
I’ve sat across from countless clients who came to therapy feeling shattered after standing up for what’s right in their workplace. Some exposed unethical practices, others spoke up about harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions. Many of them had no idea just how deeply their bodies and minds would react to the fallout. They came to therapy struggling with anxiety, nightmares, a constant state of hypervigilance—classic trauma responses.
Work shouldn’t feel like survival. But for whistleblowers and those working in toxic environments, it often does.
What a Toxic Workplace Feels Like
Imagine walking into work every morning with a tightness in your chest, scanning for danger before you’ve even had your first sip of coffee. Your heart speeds up when a certain manager’s name appears in your inbox. You can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching, waiting for you to slip up.
For many, toxic workplaces aren’t just unpleasant—they’re psychologically damaging. These environments are built on power imbalances, fear, and control. Employees may be gaslit into believing their concerns aren’t real, shamed for speaking up, or threatened with retaliation if they push back.
Examples of workplace toxicity include:
Retaliation against whistleblowers – Employees who report illegal or unethical behavior may face demotions, harassment, or even termination.
Chronic bullying or gaslighting – When leaders manipulate employees into doubting their own reality, making them feel "crazy" for raising concerns.
Unrealistic expectations and burnout culture – Workloads that demand 60+ hours a week, with leaders glorifying exhaustion as a badge of honor.
A culture of silence and fear – Employees feel unsafe voicing concerns because they’ve seen others be punished for it.
The Trauma Response: When Work Becomes a Trigger
People often think of trauma as something that happens in war zones or car accidents, but workplace trauma is very real. When someone experiences chronic stress, betrayal, and fear in a professional setting, their nervous system responds as if they’re in constant danger.
Common symptoms include:
Hypervigilance – Feeling constantly on edge, waiting for the next attack.
Sleep disturbances – Insomnia, nightmares, or waking up exhausted despite hours in bed.
Panic attacks – Racing heart, dizziness, and a sense of doom when walking into work.
Emotional numbness – Shutting down to survive, feeling disconnected from others.
Self-doubt and shame – Wondering if they overreacted, if they’re the problem.
Healing After Workplace Trauma
If you’ve been affected by workplace toxicity, you are not alone. Therapy can help you process what happened, regain confidence, and rebuild a sense of safety. Healing starts with:
Recognizing that what happened wasn’t your fault. Toxic workplaces thrive on blaming individuals rather than fixing systemic issues.
Reconnecting with your body. Breathwork, movement, and mindfulness can help regulate the nervous system.
Setting boundaries. Learning to say no and protect your energy is crucial.
Finding support. Whether it’s therapy, support groups, or trusted friends, you don’t have to carry this alone.
You Deserve More Than Just Survival
A healthy workplace is one where you feel safe, respected, and valued. If that’s not your experience, it’s not a reflection of your worth—it’s a sign that the system is broken. And if you’ve blown the whistle and are feeling the weight of the aftermath, know that healing is possible.
About the Author
Seanna Crosbie, LCSW-S, is a licensed therapist based in Austin, Texas, offering telehealth therapy across California. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, anxiety, OCD, and workplace-related stress. Seanna is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their sense of self after difficult experiences. You can contact her here.
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