Not all work-related accidents involve physical injuries, some are mental. Being unable to work at a job due to anxiety, depression and other mental issues is just a debilitating as other more common issues like back injuries, burns or broken bones. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur when a worker is exposed to a particularly traumatic experience at work, so read on to find out more about PTSD and how workers' compensation covers it.

Symptoms of PTSD

This disorder can make its sufferers miserable, making it difficult to sleep, eat or enjoy life. Often it is characterized by "flashbacks," where the victims are forced to relive the traumatic event time and time again. Many people have heard of PTSD, but incorrectly associate this disorder exclusively with soldiers returning home from war and experiencing the after-effects of what they witnessed and actions they took. You don't have to be a soldier, though, you only have to experience a horrific event to experience PTSD.

PTSD at work

Some examples of people who could fall victim to this mental disorder include:

1. An emergency services employee responds to a horrifying and gruesome crash scene, where an entire family are victims.
2. A daycare provider encounters a non-custodial parent with a weapon.
3. A bank teller is held hostage during a bank robbery.

Long considered the "bible" of mental health disorders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes PTSD in the latest iteration. This makes it possible for those who suffer from it to be covered by their workers' comp. If you suffer from a work-related trauma and PTSD, you must follow the proper procedure and file a claim to get benefits.

Taking action to get your claim approved

While workers' comp is supposed to cover PTSD, mental health issues in general presents more challenges for victims when it comes to getting coverage. Be sure to do your part by taking the correct actions in a timely manner.

1. As soon as you know you are suffering from PTSD, let your supervisor know about it. Make sure that your supervisor understands that you intend to pursue a worker's comp claim due to your condition being work related.

2. Seek mental health therapy and continue with all treatment recommendations. Make sure that your therapist understands how your disorder affects your ability to work at your job.

3. Keep records of all treatments and copies of all reports, claims and correspondence.

If your claim is not being taken seriously, speak with resources such as Bishop Dorfman Kroupa & Bishop PC as soon as possible. They can guide you through the process and ensure you can safely navigate through workplace PTSD.