PTSD and Workers Comp: How to Move Forward
Each year, over 300 million workplace injuries occur around the globe. For many, the experience of the incident and the events that follow can be traumatic and difficult to deal with. The mental stress that comes with a work-related injury can have a massive impact on one’s life. Many studies have demonstrated the serious mental health consequences these injuries may bring. The good news is you are not alone, and there is help available.
What to Do After Being Involved In a Serious Work-Related Accident
There are deadlines for reporting a workplace injury, be it physical or mental. The first step is seeking out professional medical help and reporting the incidents to your employer. This stage could be scary, but taking that first step may leave you feeling less anxious.
Give Yourself Time
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect people differently. Some lash out and become defensive, while others may retreat from the world. Unfortunately, there is no specific timeframe for PTSD, and what may seem normal for some will be entirely different for others. Slowing down and giving yourself time to process what has happened can allow you to acknowledge the incident and possibly help you to see a way forward. Often when time is not provided for these initial steps, a person cannot heal mentally or physically, which can lead to feelings of helplessness.
Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed if you need time to yourself. Feeling like no one else understands what you’re going through is a frequent experience with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you require professional help, reach out and don’t wait. You can also gain valuable information on the symptoms of PTSD and what to do from research and self-study.
Asking for Help Is Okay
PTSD is often accompanied by feelings of isolation and separation from things you enjoyed before the incident. One of the most significant steps is reaching out to others that you trust and who can aid in your understanding of the event. Sometimes a traumatic occurrence does not allow for clear thinking. However, a legal professional like Williams & Kamb may often put things into perspective and provide the support you need regarding confusion about your legal rights.
Removing Any Unwanted Stress
Much of the stress that comes from a workplace incident is seeking the correct advice from trusted legal representatives. Filing for worker’s compensation can be a long and stressful process, and can ultimately affect your mental health. While lawyers aren’t usually associated with mental health, having a legal professional in your corner can help when you have been negatively affected by a work-place incident.
Obtaining worker’s compensation may seem like a hassle in your anxious or injured state, but it is possible with help from the right people. The main goal when suffering from PTSD is to lower your stress in any way possible. You can do this by seeking professional medical and legal help, and usually, a balance of the two is most effective.
Contrary to popular belief, PTSD is not a life sentence, and legal representation is your right. Reach out for assistance today and start rebuilding your life.
