Sustaining an injury, whether it occurs in a motor vehicle accident, at work, or in some other way, is a traumatic and stressful experience. Not only are you in pain, but often you are unable to work, care for your children and participate in activities you enjoy. On top of this is the uncertainty of the claims process, which you have likely never been involved in. It is not surprising then that many, if not most, individuals experience worry, sleeplessness, tiredness, anger, and sadness.
Whilst we are not doctors or psychologists we have, over many years, seen our clients through the claims process and watched them experience these symptoms. There are some practical things that we suggest to help you take care of your mental health during the claims process. These include:
- speaking to your general practitioner about how you are feeling and discuss entering into a mental health plan, which allows the bulk billing/subsidisation of therapy with a psychologist;
- speaking to us about the claims process and make sure you understand the steps involved and the timeframes;
- talking to your family and friends about how you are feeling;
- in the case of WorkCover, speaking to the claims manager and, if necessary, seeking funding for psychological counselling / adjustment to injury counselling;
- in the case of a motor vehicle CTP claim, speaking to the CTP insurer’s rehabilitation officer about possible funding of psychological counselling / adjustment to injury counselling.
Hopefully, by taking these steps it will assist you in managing the claims process and lead to a less stressful experience. We are always here to assist, and you should feel free to speak with us about how you are feeling.
