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Work-related depression and recovering workers’ compensation

On Behalf of | Jun 27, 2018 | Workplace Illness |

We all get stressed out from time to time. Maybe it’s a broken vehicle, a major project at work, a college final, a baby on the way or a marriage ending. No matter what the event is, stress has the tendency of growing and taking over one’s life if they do not properly address the stress they are dealing with. Take work-related stress for example. This can easily cause a worker to deal with ongoing anxiety if nothing is changed in the work environment. Once anxiety sets in, and nothing is done to better the issue, a worker might develop work-related depression.

When depression is severe, it can significantly impact a person’s life. It can be difficult to handle day-to-day tasks, even compromising a person’s ability to complete work tasks entirely. Thus, worker’s compensation benefits are often explored when a worker in Ohio is battling this mental illness.

With regards to workers’ compensation eligibility for work-related depression, this can differ from state to state, as the definition of “job-related” differs. However, it is noted that the inability to work because of both physical and psychological injuries caused by the work environment are often compensable through the workers’ compensation program.

Work-related depression can come in two forms. The first is primary job-related depression. This is where the depression or anxiety experienced is directly attributable to something occurring in the workplace. Whether it is bullying, sexual harassment or other forms of stress or anxiety, depression could be defined as a mental illness from these incidents.

The second type is secondary job-related depression. This occurs when the depression experienced by an employee arises from a job-related physical injury. When an employee is seriously injured and is dealing with the aftermath of this incident, it can become overwhelming and stressful. This could induce anxiety and depression.

No matter what caused the depression to set in, it is important that employees understand their rights when it comes to recovering benefits for a workplace illness. If one is unsure if they qualify for workers’ comp, it is vital to take the time to understand these requirements.