Common Mental Health Illnesses After a Workplace Injury

Risk Factors For a Workplace Injury

Work-related injuries are not always physical. Many factors can cause trauma and mental health issues such as stress, accidents, and violence.

Stress can be caused by:

• Highly demanding job
• Toxic work environment
• Poor management
• Long hours
• Harassment and discrimination
• Poor relationships
• Lack of support

Dangerous and traumatic situations happen in which workers may, unfortunately, find themselves exposed. Accidents and violence in the workplace, whether it has happened to you or another employee, affects mental health and overall workplace morale.

Job-related mental health concerns should be taken seriously and with enough evidence and documentation, a case could be made for workers’ compensation benefits. Listed below are some common mental health conditions.

Common Mental Health Illnesses

Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Disorders Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the population age 18 and older every year.

Stress and anxiety due to work aren’t abnormal but extreme cases can cause temporary or permanent disabilities. A traumatic work incident such as death, violence, or an accident can cause the condition.

Symptoms that characterize this illness:

• Excessive worrying
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Racing heart
• Exaggerated startle reflex

This can lead to additional health concerns such as:

• Breathing problems
• Heart conditions
• Chronic pain
• Cognitive impairments
• Panic attacks

Depression

Some of the biggest contributors to depression at work include traumatic situations where the employee feels full or partial blame, injury, extreme amounts of pressure, harassment, violence, and emotional abuse.

Signs of depression:

• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
• Insomnia
• Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
• Irritability
• Feeling sad and empty
• Suicidal thoughts

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD is a serious condition caused by experiencing a terrifying event which can cause debilitating symptoms such as:

• Flashbacks
• Avoidance
• Violent behaviors
• Irritability
• Exaggerated startle reflex
• Trouble concentrating
• Panic attacks

This disorder can have a monumental and debilitating impact on work performance and behavior.

Long-Term Effects from Head Injury

An employee can go through a physical injury such as trauma to the head and seem to fully recover but later suffer from a mental health condition. Head injuries range from forgetfulness to changes in personality, impulsiveness, and loss of skills to effectively complete your job.

Workers' Compensation

Workers’ compensation benefits are available to those with physical injuries or mental conditions sustained while on the job. Acquiring workers’ comp for a mental illness is often complicated due to difficulties providing enough evidence for a claim. Contact Injured Call Today to connect with experienced physicians that specialize in accident-related injuries.

Let Us Help

Don’t lose pay or your job due to a work-related mental illness. Get the treatment you need and deserve. Call 1-800-897-8440 to find an experienced mental health professional near you.

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