A problematic work situation can take a toll on your physical and mental health. While you know workers’ compensation covers physical illness and injury, will the same coverage extend to your mental health?

New Hampshire does not make it easy to claim that your job is the cause of your mental health condition, but it is not impossible. Take a look at how you may receive assistance from your workers’ comp insurer for a verified mental health disorder.

What makes mental health conditions work-related?

Stress can wear you down, and you may develop anxiety, depression or both. However, work stress alone is rarely enough for a workers’ compensation carrier to cover your condition unless there is a physical component. Absent that, some situations may qualify. If you witnessed a traumatic event at work, are a first responder or have proof that your workplace is toxic, a workers’ compensation carrier might accept a mental health condition claim.

What does not qualify?

If your employer calls your work performance into question, it may stress you out. Further, if you find yourself facing a write-up or other action, you may believe that your mental state has suffered because of it. An employer-justified action against you, such as a demotion, does not qualify for work comp coverage. However, suppose a boss or manager did something discriminatory or predatory against you that goes outside the allowable bounds of disciplinary action. In that case, you may have a valid claim for workers’ compensation.

With so much focus turning to mental health awareness, getting treatment when you do not feel like yourself is important. Whether a workers’ comp insurer covers it or not, you should speak to someone about your options.