Many people think WorkCover only applies to physical injuries. But in Australia, mental health conditions caused by work can also be recognised as workplace injuries under WorkCover.
This is known as a psychological injury.
A psychological injury is a mental health condition that develops because of your work or workplace experiences. This may occur after a single traumatic event or gradually over time due to ongoing stress.
Examples can include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
- Adjustment difficulties
- Work-related stress conditions
These injuries are just as real and valid as physical injuries, even though they are not visible.
What can cause a psychological injury at work?
Psychological injuries can arise from many workplace situations, including:
- Workplace bullying or harassment
- Exposure to traumatic events
- High levels of ongoing stress or pressure
- Serious conflict with colleagues or management
- Feeling unsafe at work
- Being involved in or witnessing an accident
- Excessive workload or unreasonable expectations
- Lack of support during a physical injury recovery
Sometimes the injury develops suddenly. Other times it builds slowly until your ability to cope is overwhelmed.
How does WorkCover recognise psychological injury?
If your mental health condition is linked to your work, you may be eligible for WorkCover support, just like someone with a physical injury.
This can include access to:
- GP appointments
- Psychological or counselling support
- Recovery and return-to-work planning
Your GP usually plays an important role in:
- assessing your symptoms
- providing a medical certificate
- referring you for counselling
Approval depends on your individual situation and WorkCover’s assessment process.
You are not weak for struggling
Many people feel guilt or shame about experiencing psychological injury, especially if they compare themselves to colleagues who “seem to cope”.
But psychological injury does not mean that you are weak, overreacting, or failing.
It means something in your work environment exceeded your nervous system’s capacity to cope.
Support is a normal and important part of recovery.
What does counselling help with?
Counselling for psychological injury can support you to:
- understand what has happened
- manage anxiety or low mood
- process distressing workplace experiences
- build coping strategies
- regain confidence
- adjust to changes in work or identity
- prepare emotionally for returning to work
Importantly, counselling is not about proving anything, it is about supporting your recovery and wellbeing.
If you’re ready to start with counselling, book a session today at our Somerville or Edithvale locations, or explore our online therapy options. For more information about WorkCover counselling, visit our services page here.
Questions? I’m happy to help, contact me if you would like to learn more.
