An injury at work can really set you back, but it’s not just your body that is hurting. Getting back to work can mean a lot more than just physical therapy.
Your mental health can be just as big a barrier to getting back to work as your physical health. Your mental state is important to your quality of life, and your road to recovery might require comprehensive treatment.
Navigating the grey matter
There are situations where workers’ compensation covers mental health, but proving your need requires that you understand the system.
- Mental trauma: A physical injury is hard enough, but it can easily lead to more problems. Bodily harm can lead to a new mental health diagnosis or provoke an existing condition. While workers’ compensation can cover your psychological suffering, the incident in your claim must be a direct cause of your aggravation.
- Physical manifestation: Conversely, intense mental trauma can result in ongoing physical ailments. Common examples are large amounts of psychological stress causing constant physical pain. This kind of claim can be hard to support, and the burden of proof is on you.
- A harsh cycle: Excessive mental distress can have a heavy impact, but your care might not be covered. Minnesota law generally doesn’t allow for claims of mental injury due to mental stress alone. The only likely exception is if you experience something on the job that causes you to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Evaluating barriers
When you make a claim seeking help with relief, you’ll likely have to go through an independent psychological evaluation. You’ll meet with a psychologist that is chosen by the insurance provider, who will provide the company with a report looking at five key factors:
- Your mental health diagnosis
- The relation of your diagnosis to your claim
- Any necessary work restrictions
- If your current treatments are necessary
- Whether they recommend any future treatment
Ailments from the workplace come in all shapes and sizes and can hit everyone differently. Get the help you require by understanding your rights regarding illness. It will go a long way toward getting the help you need to address your mental health.
