Many people suffer from mental illnesses like anxiety. It is not uncommon to develop these because of the fast-paced, performance-based nature of most careers today.
California workers facing anxiety-related challenges may wonder if they qualify for workers’ compensation.
There has to be a direct connection
To qualify for workers’ compensation for anxiety, it must result from work-related factors. These could be specific traumatic events or conditions within the work environment. There needs to exist documentation or other evidence that shows a direct link between the anxiety and these factors.
There can be different factors
Several work-related factors can contribute to anxiety, including but not limited to:
- Workplace accidents (if debilitating, can themselves qualify workers for benefits)
- Chronic stress due to work-related responsibilities, workload or interpersonal issues in the workplace
- Workplace harassment or bullying that creates a hostile environment
There needs to be swift action
Workers who believe their anxiety is work-related need to report the work-related incident or conditions leading to anxiety to their supervisor or employer as soon as possible. Timely reporting is important for derailing doubts about the source of the anxiety. Employees also need to seek medical attention for their well-being as well as to assess and document their anxiety symptoms. A medical evaluation that establishes a connection between the condition and the workplace is necessary for the application process. Detailed records of the incident or conditions contributing to the anxiety are also helpful when filing a workers’ compensation claim.
According to the American Institute of Stress, 76% of American workers have workplace-related stress that impacts their other relationships. Stress can contribute to anxiety and other mental health problems, which can become debilitating. If there is a direct connection between the workplace and their anxiety, workers may be able to qualify for workers’ compensation to help them financially as they undergo treatment.