Work injuries can leave a lasting impact beyond physical wounds. While the body may heal, the mind can bear scars in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.
Beyond noticing certain signs of this problem, looking more into workers’ compensation can also happen in the time after an injury at work.
Flashbacks
One problem is having flashbacks or nightmares about the accident. It is like the mind goes back to that scary moment, even when it is not happening. These thoughts can make it hard to sleep well and usually cause serious anxiety.
Avoidance behaviors
People with PTSD might try to stay away from anything that reminds them of what happened. This could mean avoiding certain tasks or places at work and not wanting to talk to coworkers. Avoiding things can make it tough to do the job right and can make it hard to get along with others at work.
Hypervigilance
PTSD can make someone feel like they always need to be on the lookout for danger. This makes it hard to focus and leads to a person feeling tired and overwhelmed often.
Emotional distress
Work-related PTSD can make people feel depressed or guilty. Sometimes, they might have a hard time controlling their feelings and lash out at friends and family. Feeling this way can cause fights with coworkers.
Physical problems
PTSD causes physical problems along with emotional ones. Things like headaches, stomachaches and tense muscles are common in people with work-related PTSD. These physical problems can make the situation feel even worse.
PTSD and a work injury can create a need for workers’ compensation. Additionally, early intervention may lead to better outcomes for affected individuals.
