Coping with Poor Mental Health After an Accident at Work

If you’ve had an accident at work, you’ll know just how challenging the aftermath can be. In addition to the injuries you suffer, plus any subsequent trips to the hospital for medical treatment, the effects can influence almost every area of your day-to-day life. Whether it’s earning enough money to sustain your lifestyle or building the confidence to pick up where you left off, moving forward can feel almost impossible. Acknowledging the psychological impact is a starting point. Below, we’ve outlined five steps to help you overcome the struggles you’ve faced.

Understand the psychological impact

It can be tempting to overlook the devastating effects on your mental health, focusing instead on the physical injuries you’ve suffered. After all, since these are visible to other people, it makes sense. 

However, the psychological trauma can be just as debilitating in different ways; common issues faced by accident victims can include:

• Anxiety (or anxiety disorders)
• Depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 

These conditions present a variety of unpleasant symptoms which may limit your ability to carry out your daily responsibilities. If you’ve been struggling since the accident and you haven’t found your spark again, it could be time to learn what you’re going through.

Seek professional mental health support

After making the first appointment, you’ll likely be referred to see a mental health specialist to assist in your recovery. Remember, this first step can often feel the most daunting, so don’t be hard on yourself if you’ve waited a while to start the process.

Once you’ve explained the details of your accident, you’ll be able to start treatment. This could include cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, or medications specifically intended to help you manage your symptoms.

Different types of mental health support are available on the NHS, but if you need urgent help, private counselling options may have shorter waiting lists.

Know your workplace rights

After an accident at work, you are entitled to certain rights under UK law. Your employer will be responsible for providing support if you’re dealing with mental health issues after an accident in the workplace. 

These rights are intended to ensure your health, safety, and fair treatment. They include the right to:

• Report the accident
• Take time off for medical treatment
• Financial stability – also known as Statutory Sick Pay
• Government benefits if you’re unable to work for a long period
• A safer workplace upon your return
• Protection from dismissal
• Return to work

Consider making a negligence claim

If you can prove that your current mental health issues resulted from negligent actions by your employer, you could be entitled to compensation. 

Being able to provide evidence of the failures that caused your injury leaves you in a strong position to win a compensation claim against your employer. Not all incidents of negligence are the same, but it could take the form of unstable equipment, faulty machinery, or any other failure to provide a safe environment. 

Build a support network

Finally, having a strong personal support network is essential for your recovery. Friends, family and colleagues can provide emotional support, but it’s not always easy to feel comforted by people who don’t understand what you’ve been through. 

For that reason, specialist support groups or targeted group therapy could be most beneficial in helping you to overcome your mental health issues. 

Remember, support takes many different forms. If something or someone makes you feel better, try to stick with it and reflect on your progress over time. Recovery is never linear, and you’re stronger than you think!