The Psychological Impact of Workplace Injuries: Emotional Recovery and Support

Have you suffered an injury at work and aren’t sure what you’re going to do? Did you get hurt through something that happened at work and it seems like it’s taken a toll on all aspects of your life? That may seem atypical, but, unfortunately, it isn’t. It’s all too common. Work injuries come with pain and lengthy recovery periods, yes. But, they can also come with anxiety, depression, feelings of helplessness, and work. Workplace injuries’ psychological impact goes beyond the physical. 

Obviously, nothing can ever prepare you for an at-work injury or its aftermath. That said, the more you know about how you could be affected, mentally and emotionally, after a work injury, the better prepared you could be should this arise. 

If you or someone you love are hurt at work (or due to your work), then it’s worth it to reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. 

Beyond Physical Pain: Workplace Injury Trauma

Remember: “workplace trauma” is real. It’s not someone shirking their duties, hiding from their responsibilities, not wanting to work, or anything of that nature. This is the word for the psychological challenges that can stem from your at-work injury. This can be a serious disruption of your life, not just in terms of your body but also in terms of your mental health, too. 

You don’t have to take our word for it, of course. The California Department of Industrial Relations found that roughly 60% of injured workers went through depression in the first six months following their accident. Basically, depression set in not long after they received treatment. 

Unfortunately, that’s also, for far too many, the beginning. Subsequent studies found that those who suffered work injuries were 3X more likely than other people to develop anxiety disorders. This would be bad enough, except that so many who deal with this never receive treatment. 

Studies find that not quite 1/4th of workers with anxiety that comes from at-work injuries receive mental health support. 

If you’re like many California workers, then you know to get medical care as soon as you’re hurt at work. However, you should also receive mental health care as soon as possible, too. 

California Workers Face Unique Mental Health Challenges

California is thought of by many as a state that places a high premium on worker satisfaction. However, in Los Angeles County (and really, throughout the state the opposite is true. Injured workers may be stressed from potentially losing their jobs, meeting their financial responsibilities with reduced pay (all while potentially being able to work), and just getting by on workers’ compensation benefits as well as much more. 

Recognizing Warning Signs of Psychological Distress

“Distress” is often thought of as something internal, but, sometimes, it can be seen. It can be experienced. For example, many are unable to sleep (or sleep fitfully), have headaches that come out of nowhere and last, they lose their appetite (or their appetite becomes much stronger) – these are all signs of psychological distress. 

The period after an at-work injury can be challenging in ways that are impossible to anticipate. You could withdraw socially, abuse alcohol and other substances, or even stop doing those activities that you used to enjoy. 

Many know the most common signs of psychological distress, but it’s the less common signs that you need to look for. Remember: depression, sadness, and anxiety aren’t usually visible. Instead, psychological distress manifests as sadness, irritability, or mood swings that seem far out of proportion to what’s going on. 

It’s natural to have strong feelings following your at-work accident and injury. However, it’s possible that you may feel anger you can’t control (whether it’s at your employers, the system, your colleagues, or others). By that same token, many feel an overwhelming guilt (especially if they believe they were, in some way, responsible for their accident). 

Cognitive Changes 

Memory problems, brain fog, constant worry about the future, nightmares, flashbacks, spiraling thoughts, a struggle to follow a conversation, and an inability to make decisions – these are just some of the ways that psychological distress could manifest itself. 

Building Emotional Resilience During Recovery

Again, there’s no real way to be ready for an at-work injury. Basically, they can happen to any worker and at any time. However, when they do occur, you can develop coping strategies that can make it possible for you to be able to live your life on your terms, how you want to. 

Set a Routine

It may sound like a small thing, but it can make all of the difference in the world. Having a daily schedule, making it and sticking to it, can help you with stress and so much more. This can include going to all of your medical obligations, yes, but physical activity (that has been approved by your healthcare providers) can help in so many ways. 

Beyond that, you want to be sure to maintain your social connections, too. That doesn’t mean spending all day online, going through your phone and watching social media posts. Instead, have real, actual communication with family, friends, and even colleagues – this can provide emotional support that genuinely supports you through the process. 

Be sure to set realistic, honest goals about your recovery. Hopefully, if you do suffer an at-work injury, then you’re able to bounce back from it quickly and completely. However, it’s entirely possible that it will take you a long time to be able to get to where you were (if, indeed, you can). The more realistic and open-eyed you are about your recovery, the more likely you are to maintain hope and motivation every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Injury Mental Health

Q: Will seeking mental health treatment affect my workers’ compensation claim?

A: No, seeking psychological treatment typically strengthens your claim by documenting the full extent of your injury’s impact. California law protects workers who require mental health care related to workplace injuries.

Q: How long does workers’ compensation cover mental health treatment?

A: Coverage continues as long as treatment remains medically necessary and related to your workplace injury. There’s no predetermined time limit for psychological care when properly documented.

Q: Can I see a therapist who speaks my language?

A: Yes, California requires workers’ compensation insurers to provide interpreter services and access to culturally competent mental health providers when needed.

Q: What if my employer doesn’t offer mental health benefits?

A: Workers’ compensation coverage for psychological treatment is separate from employer-provided mental health benefits. You may be entitled to coverage even without employer-sponsored programs.

Q: Will my mental health records be private?

A: Mental health records maintain strict confidentiality protections. Only authorized healthcare providers and legal representatives involved in your case may access these records.

Q: Can family members receive counseling support?

A: Some workers’ compensation policies cover family counseling when a worker’s injury significantly impacts family dynamics and relationships.

Taking the First Step Toward Complete Healing

The psychological impact of workplace injuries is immense. “Recovery” isn’t just about your body. That’s true no matter what your injury is. As your body recovers, you want to make sure that your emotions and your mind do, too. 

Here at the ODG Law Group, we have helped many who are in the exact position that you are right now. We know that recovery is holistic. That means recovery doesn’t just address the injuries – it addresses your mind and body. Recovery should help all of you to recover. 

Our team has helped injured workers throughout Los Angeles County to navigate workers compensation so that they received everything that they should. To see how we can help you, reach out for a free case evaluation by calling (818) 975-3080.