If you suffer a serious injury at work, you will likely receive workers’ compensation and end up having to take some time off work. This time off is for you to heal so that you can return to your former position. Your employer cannot fire you due to your injury and must leave a position open for you when you can return.
In the meantime, you are not working. You are dealing with your injuries, which may produce a lot of pain. The incident may also adversely affect your home life because you will have a reduction in earnings, despite workers’ compensation wage replacement payments.
The trouble
MarketWatch explains that time off work and serious injury can combine to create a bad environment that increases your chances of depression, suicide and drug abuse. Studies show that overdose and suicide occurrences in people who are off work for more than a week due to injury can triple for women while increasing 50% for men.
The issues
A work injury can lead to psychological issues because you may face financial issues and the overall stress of dealing with the claims process. In addition, you may have constant pain and difficulties with your recovery that also take a toll on your mental health.
If you have pain issues, your doctor may treat you with opioids, which increases your chances of dependence. Many people have started an opioid addiction due to an injury. This risk means that you have more of a chance of overdosing or ending up with an addiction that takes over your life.