Dedicated To Helping Injured People

Dedicated To Helping Injured
People

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The connection between workplace injuries and depression

On Behalf of | Dec 11, 2020 | Personal Injury

If you are in a profession that requires physical skill and labor, such as construction, mining, gardening or home maintenance, you’ll depend on your physical capabilities to earn a living. You’ll also likely be at a higher risk of becoming injured than an office worker, for example. Those who become injured in the workplace may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to continue in their industry because of their long-term injuries.

Being unable to earn an income in the long term can be devastating, and in many cases, those injured can suffer from low self-esteem and depression. It’s important that those with serious injuries acquired at work understand how workers’ compensation benefits can help them, and how they can take positive action to turn their life back around. The following is an overview of how workplace injuries can affect mental health.

Lack of independence

Becoming injured in one way or another will likely mean that you will temporarily lose your independence. You may need to stay in the hospital or be bed-ridden for weeks or months, requiring the help of other people to get dressed, clean yourself and to eat. This can cause feelings of depression if there is no clear path to gaining back your independence.

Financial worries

Becoming injured means that you will not be able to earn an income for weeks, months or even years. This can, of course, create significant financial worries.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain can be extremely debilitating and isolating. Those who experience chronic pain have a higher risk of depression.

Feeling powerless

Perhaps the worst part of suffering a work injury is the feeling of powerlessness that comes with not being able to change your situation. The best way to handle this is to consider the small things that you can do, such as filing for workers’ compensation benefits.

If you have been injured at work and you are feeling depressed, never hesitate to talk to your medical provider. You should also understand how workers’ compensation benefits can help you.