In total, the workplace is responsible for around 120,000 deaths a year, according to a new study. We also know that our work environments can cause us to stress as well, which can really impact our mental health. Many people think that mental health issues are unrelated to our physical health, but that is not true.
The physiological effects of stress on our blood chemistry, cholesterol levels, metabolic functioning, and our immune system are real and dangerous.
This article states that, despite the evidence that our workplaces are causing detrimental health effects, OSHA and other agencies “have done little to address the psychological risks so prevalent in contemporary workplaces, beyond extensively documenting their existence and toll.”
So, they know about them, but they do not want to take steps to prevent them.
Do you know what to do if your workplace has affected your mental health?
At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, we want to help when you need a Los Angeles workplace mental health attorney. We will work with you to ensure you are treated fairly.
What Happens?
Work is one of the leading causes of stress. Most of us already know that, but this goes beyond simply being annoyed at your job. For many, the workplace can be the cause of serious mental health illnesses that need to be treated. Some of the causes of work stress can be:
- Being unhappy in the job
- Heavy workload/responsibilities
- Long work hours
- Poor management
- Working in dangerous conditions
Being unsure of advancement opportunities
Facing workplace discrimination
Experiencing workplace sexual harassment
We know that some jobs are very stressful: law enforcement and other first responders, social workers, medical professionals, etc. But we also want to point out that any job has the potential to cause a mental health issue if the conditions are right.
People who face workplace discrimination or sexual harassment are particularly vulnerable to mental health illnesses because of the constant stress placed on them. They often cannot leave the job they are in and have to continue to put up with unwanted behavior.
Thanks to the “Me Too” movement, some of this is getting better, but that is mostly at the upper levels for now. Those who work in lower paying jobs still experience harassment and discrimination on a daily basis.
What You Can Do
We know that mental health illnesses are real and can affect you in ways that are not visible. Because of this, workers’ compensation may be harder to secure, but that is not fair, especially if your workplace is the cause of your mental illness.
At Koszdin, Fields & Sherry, we will be by your side, walking you through the entire process. If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or you have been fired because of your mental illness, we will work to secure compensation for your suffering and loss. You can reach out to us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling one of these numbers: 818-812-5639 or 800-747-3447.
