Job Related Psychological Injury

Psychological injuries may be suffered at work.

Many people respond to pressure in their personal and professional lives by feeling an increased level of stress. In the workplace, employees may feel stressed if subjected to demands and expectations that exceed their skill levels and ability to cope. If stress continues to increase, mental and physical health problems may result. This type of on-the-job stress ailment is called a psychological injury.

Warning Signs

According to the website of Comcare--an Australian government agency that works with employees and employers to reduce workplace injuries--early warning signs of psychological injury are not difficult to observe. Behaviors such as a decline in job performance, an increase in unplanned absences, low morale and withdrawal from colleagues may indicate that an employee is suffering from a psychological injury.

Contributing Factors

A range of factors from an employee's professional and personal lives may lead to job-related psychological injuries, according to Comcare. A heavy workload, a fast-paced environment and unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions can all contribute, as can negative events from outside the office, such as a troubled relationship. Poor communication, workplace harassment and physical, sexual or emotional abuse may also contribute to psychological injuries and other disorders.

Effects

The effects of psychological injury in an individual can range from mild depression--loss of interest in work, disturbed sleep patterns, weight gain or loss and a persistent sad or empty mood--to anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD arises after exposure to one or more terrifying or seriously disturbing events in which physical harm was threatened or endured. Traumatic events that may induce PTSD include military combat, personal assaults, accidents or natural disasters. People with PTSD generally suffer from frightening thoughts and memories that can make it extremely difficult to function. According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, other symptoms of PTSD include persistent feelings of fear and panic and excessive drinking and drug use to try to get rid of the stress-filled and painful effects.

Intervention

The Comcare website states that psychological injury sufferers require urgent help. Oftentimes, psychological counseling is the best way to alleviate suffering. Early rehabilitation assistance may be key in helping, as such injuries tend to take longer to heal and cost more to care for than physical injuries. If you are suffering from a psychological injury, depression or PTSD, contact your human resources department to learn what help is available. There are support groups, counselors, crisis hotlines and other resources that exist just to help people in need. You may contact them through your employer or nonprofit, community and government groups or other individuals who have been through the same problems that you're facing (see Resources). However, if at any point you consider harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.

Prevention

Several preventive measures may help prevent job-related psychological injuries from happening. The Comcare program, for example, insists that employers have a responsibility to protect their employees by knowing the risk factors and symptoms associated with psychological injuries. At-risk employees include people with disabilities or minority cultural, religious or political backgrounds, temporary or casual workers and new or young employees. However, it is important to note that any employee may suffer from a psychological injury.

References

• National Institute of Mental Health: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Comcare: Psychological Injury
• The Royal College of Psychiatrists: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• CrisisLink: Links to Additional Resources