Psychological Work Injuries

Bullying and Harassment Cause Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Other Psychological Work Injuries

Bullying and harassment in Australian workplaces are serious contributors to mental health issues such as depression,
anxiety, and PTSD. If you’re experiencing psychological injuries due to such negative experiences at work,
seeking professional help and understanding your compensation rights with PK Simpson is crucial.

Workers who are bullied or harassed often fail to recognise that psychological injuries such as anxiety disorders
or depression are caused by maltreatment by others. These negative experiences can be a significant risk factor
for developing mental health problems. When bosses or other workers bully or harass them, they may not understand
why they feel the way they do because the behaviour in their workplace is seen as normal behaviour.

However, it is important to note that this behaviour is never normal, and it is never appropriate.

Bullying at Work Explained

Bullying can cause psychological injury and can include harmful, repeated remarks or personal attacks
on staff members by managers or co-workers. These may be targeted attacks by others who make fun of you
or your family, your culture or race, sexual preference, gender identity, economic background or education.
It can also include sexual harassment.

Other examples of bullying include:

  • Grabbing, pushing, tripping or shoving at work.
  • Giving you pointless jobs that have nothing to do with your work duties.
  • Giving you impossible tasks that can’t be done in the time allowed or with the resources provided.
  • Holding back the information you need to get your job done correctly.
  • Deliberately changing your schedule or work hours to make it difficult to perform your role.
  • Hazing or initiation practices involving inappropriate or humiliating actions.
  • Throwing objects, threats, or attacks involving weapons or dangerous items.

Sexual Harassment at Work

Sexual harassment involves unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours,
or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual assault refers to an unwanted or forced sexual act without consent.

Examples of sexual harassment at work include:

  • Inappropriate or unwelcome touching.
  • Requests for sex.
  • Unwanted invitations.
  • Leering, staring, or making sexually suggestive jokes or comments.
  • Displaying sexually explicit posters or images.
  • Sending sexually explicit emails or text messages.
  • Unnecessary physical familiarity, such as brushing against someone.
  • Sexual insults or taunts.
  • Invasive or intrusive questions about a person’s body or private life.

Effects of Workplace Bullying and Sexual Harassment

Bullying and sexual harassment can have devastating effects on a worker’s professional and personal life.
Victims may experience reduced confidence, fear, anxiety, sleep disturbances, stress, or depression,
often without fully understanding why.

Relationships and study can also be negatively affected. Individuals may avoid going to work,
frequently call in sick, and feel unable to trust managers or colleagues.
Physical symptoms such as headaches, back pain and chronic fatigue are also common.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be eligible to
claim compensation.

Psychological Harm From Workplace Bullying and Harassment

Workplace bullying and harassment can result in serious mental health conditions including PTSD,
anxiety disorders, depression, generalised anxiety disorder and stress-related disorders.

Shock and trauma can disrupt daily functioning and lead to long-term psychological harm.
Common trauma-related symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks: Intrusive memories, panic attacks, emotional distress and fear.
  • Avoidance: Avoiding work or experiencing anxiety when contacted by managers.
  • Hypervigilance: Feeling jumpy, easily startled, dissociated or detached from reality.
  • Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to traumatic experiences.
  • Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Short-term trauma symptoms lasting days or weeks.
  • PTSD: Long-term trauma symptoms including flashbacks, panic, emotional numbness
    and physical reactions that may persist for years.

Contact Our Team of Lawyers at PK Simpson

Other mental health conditions such as social anxiety disorder and panic disorder can also develop
following workplace trauma. These conditions require expert diagnosis and treatment
from qualified mental health professionals.

At PK Simpson, our personal injury lawyers can help you obtain the right diagnosis and treatment
and assist with your workers’ compensation claim.
Contact our expert team today on
1300 757 467 or
enquire online.