Common Psychological Injuries
- Paul Dekkers
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
Psychological injuries from workplace incidents can be just as serious as physical injuries, affecting an employee's mental health, well-being, and ability to work. These injuries often stem from traumatic events, chronic workplace stress, or harassment. Common psychological injuries include:
Common Psychological Injuries:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Often triggered by a traumatic event such as workplace violence, accidents, or life-threatening situations.
Anxiety Disorders: Excessive stress from high workloads, toxic environments, or fear of job loss can lead to chronic anxiety.
Depression: Long-term workplace issues, such as bullying, harassment, or burnout, can contribute to major depressive disorder.
Adjustment Disorder: Difficulty coping with changes, such as restructuring, layoffs, or demotion, can lead to emotional distress.
Burnout: Chronic workplace stress without proper coping mechanisms can cause exhaustion, disengagement, and reduced performance.
Causes of Psychological Injuries at Work:
Workplace bullying and harassment (verbal abuse, discrimination, or intimidation).
Exposure to traumatic events (e.g., witnessing an accident, violence, or life-threatening situation).
Chronic stress and burnout (from excessive workloads, unrealistic expectations, or lack of support).
Lack of job security (fear of layoffs, contract work, or constant restructuring).
Toxic workplace culture (poor leadership, lack of recognition, or interpersonal conflicts).
Symptoms of Psychological Injuries:
Persistent feelings of fear, anxiety, or sadness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Social withdrawal or avoidance of work-related activities
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or nightmares)
Increased irritability, frustration, or emotional outbursts
Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or digestive issues
Legal and Workplace Responsibilities:
We have laws recognizing psychological workplace injuries, requiring employers to provide a safe working environment. Employees may be entitled to compensation for mental health injuries under workers' compensation laws.
Prevention and Support Strategies:
Promoting a positive and respectful workplace culture
Providing mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Offering stress management and resilience training
Encouraging open communication and psychological safety
Ensuring fair workload distribution and reasonable expectations
Implementing clear anti-harassment and workplace violence policies
Would you like guidance on legal rights or workplace policies related to psychological injuries? paul@dekkers.com.au