Managing Mental Health After a Work Injury
Here at Northwest Return to Work (NWRTW) we are experts at helping you manage mental health after a work injury. We know that an injured worker’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. An injured worker who is depressed or experiencing psychological complications can take longer to recover. The longer they are off work, the more their anxieties increase. This is why we provide a holistic approach to our rehabilitation, focusing not only on our client’s physical injuries but their overall health and well-being.
Workplace injuries can vary from minor to near death often requiring multiple medical and rehabilitation services. Just as injuries are different, so are the requirements of rehabilitation and the process of returning to work safely.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NCBI), “Injuries at work may negatively influence mental health due to lost or reduced working hours and financial burden of treatment.”
Someone who is used to working every day and has lost their main occupation often feels isolated and lonely during their recovery. The financial stress alone can be exceedingly difficult, taking a toll on their social and/or family life. This is particularly difficult for someone who is the sole provider for a family.
They may not be able to do everything for themselves and now must rely on other people to help with housework and/or personal care, and they worry that others see them as a burden. They often feel they don’t have a support system and feelings of anxiety, low confidence, and depression can make the work injury even more complex.
Workplace Rehabilitation
Workplace rehabilitation is the process of assisting someone to return to work after sustaining an injury. This may include gradually returning to their pre-injury role, or in some cases training to gain new skills or assistance. The type of program needed will depend on the type of injury and the worker’s job goal.
Psychological injuries need the same level of assessment, treatment, and fast re-engagement back into the workplace, which can be complex if someone feels that work contributed to their injury, or their employer is not supportive of their psychological needs.
Our rehabilitation psychologists use their research and unique training to help individuals who may be struggling in their daily lives due to physical disabilities, psychological trauma, chronic pain, or brain injury.
Programs Available
NWRTW has many options for injured workers to get the help they need to get back to work and back to life. If you have experienced an injury and are struggling with issues beyond physical limitations, we can help.
Cognitive Assessment
Our online, easy-to-use, evidence-based assessment tool is a great place to start! Cognitive assessment is about measuring brain health. Cognitive health affects almost every part of your life. If you don’t feel the same after an injury, it could be because conditions that have traditionally been seen as purely physical, such as pain, have cognitive effects.
Our Cognitive Assessment is scientifically validated, easy to use, and completely online! The assessment gives you a report of your cognitive health in minutes. It’s not a test—it is a quick check-up on how you’re doing today, like a blood pressure cuff for your brain. Learn More.
Behavioral Health Intervention (BHI)
Our BHI program provides expert mental health support to anyone with an existing work injury claim. After an injury, it’s normal for someone to struggle with parts of life that once felt manageable. Even if someone has received physical therapy, occupational therapy, or even surgery, there may still be difficulties in everyday life. Nobody should have to recover alone. Learn More.
Neuropsychological Evaluations
These evaluations are done by a licensed neuropsychologist and provide a comprehensive assessment of cognitive and behavioral changes due to an injury or illness. This comprehensive report assists providers, and clients, in the diagnosis and recommended treatment, and becomes a baseline for future evaluations.
If you or someone you love is having difficulty managing mental health after a work injury, talk to your doctor or care coordinator about Northwest Return to Work in Lynnwood, WA. Our program is designed to help people recover from work-related injuries, so you can get back to work!
If your injury is the result of a crime, we may also be able to help you through your crime victim’s policy. CONTACT US for more information.