Recently, you sustained an injury at work. While you received approval for your workers’ compensation claim, you could have a way to go before making a full recovery.
In addition to healing physically, you could also have some mental recovering to do. See what SFM, an insurance company, recommends for avoiding depression while out from work.
Reasons for depression
One of the leading ways to avoid depression is to understand what causes it in the first place. Social isolation, relationship hardship, chronic pain, financial hardship and pre-existing mental health conditions can all pave the way to depression. Even with workers’ compensation payments, you may still experience financial struggles, which may also contribute to experiencing depression. Because your injury could have you laid up at home for several weeks or months with little to truly occupy your mind, you may find yourself going into a mental spiral about your predicament, which may also lead to a depressive episode.
Strategies to prevent depression
To sidestep depression after your workplace injury, be sure to involve your employer. There may be a return-to-work program that can help you get back to work in a limited capacity, which may help address any anxiety or panic you may feel about the future of your employment. Reach out to your immediate supervisor to keep her or him appraised of your progress, and keep yourself updated on current projects so you are not left entirely out of the loop. See if there is anything you can do from home to contribute to the workflow.
Neither depression nor workers’ compensation lasts forever. Talk to a legal professional to see how your compensation may change in the future, and how to make the most of your payments.