You recently suffered an injury while on the clock. You know you qualify for workers’ compensation, and you know the extent of the harm you suffered, but did you and your physician overlook the accident’s mental toll?
EHS Today examines the connection between depression and workers’ comp. Determine if your mental health may serve as a secondary factor in your injury case.
The far-reaching impact of serious injuries in the workplace
Since your injury, and if your injury permits you to earn a living, have you experienced waning functional capacity at work? Perhaps the incident impaired your earning capacity, ability to enjoy your favorite activities or time with friends and family. If any of this resonates with you, you could either have depression or face a risk of experiencing depression, especially if your injury left you with constant pain.
The ripple effects of depression resulting from a workplace injury
Injured employees who experience symptoms of depression may take longer to recover from their injury and get back to work. States of low mental health may represent a risk factor for smoking and lower back discomfort. Even if a work injury allows a person to return to work, she or he may experience presenteeism. That means that while the injured worker goes back to the workplace, her or his normal output may suffer. The effects of presenteeism could spread to co-workers and affect their productivity, too.
Treating depression with workers’ comp
If you suspect your injury triggered your depression, workers’ comp may not cover treatment. Going without professional care could harm your transition to work or prolong your time away from work.
You deserve to make a full physical and emotional recovery. Speaking with a mental health professional could help you understand the extent of your workplace harm.
