Recovering from a physical work injury can often come with a treatment plan timeline to rehabilitation. For instance, a treating physician may say a moderate ankle injury could heal within 6 to 8 weeks with proper rest and adherence. However, when a worker is injured on the job, their injury comes with more than physical limitations.
Research has shown when an individual is injured at work, the impact can take more than a physical toll. Stress, anxiety and depression have become prevalent within workers’ compensation injuries and many injured workers find it difficult to carry on with their normal routine while trying to emotionally cope with their injury.
Stress has been shown to have a negative impact on an injured workers overall health and how quickly they return back to work. From limited wages to the effects of chronic pain – it’s difficult for injured workers to see positives on their road to recovery.
Try incorporating small changes into your daily routine to avoid stress and positively affect your mood, such as:
- Meditation or breathing practices
- Getting enough sleep to allow your body to recover
- Investing time with family and friends
- Avoiding smoking, drinking and unhealthy habits
- Keep a gratitude journal to put things into perspective
- Work on an art project or get creative
Stress and depression can contribute to a longer, more costly recovery. By reducing stress and proactively identifying negative psychological factors, injured workers may have better odds at a speedier recovery.
