If you work at a correctional institution, you play a valuable role in society. After all, you work to ensure both the safety of the public and that of the inmates in your custody. Still, working in the prison system can take a tremendous toll on your mental health. Eventually, you may develop post-traumatic stress disorder or another serious mental health condition.
According to recent studies, correctional officers develop PTSD about as often as war veterans. This makes sense, as correctional facilities expose workers to dangerous conditions and stressful environments. If you have PTSD from working as a correctional officer or another type of prison worker, you can likely receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Workers’ compensation coverage
In virtually all jobs, employees have the possibility of sustaining an injury or a work-related illness. Correctional workers, though, often have a higher risk of both physical and emotional injuries. Fortunately, workers’ compensation in Missouri does not only cover visible injuries. On the contrary, if you develop PTSD, anxiety, depression or another mental health disorder, you should notify your employer immediately to boost your odds of receiving adequate treatment and just compensation.
PTSD treatment
If you have a mental health condition, asking for help can be challenging. Nonetheless, it is vital that you seek treatment as quickly as possible. If you fail to do so, your condition may worsen. In the Show-Me State, your employer chooses which health care professional you must see. You must also receive an official authorization before beginning treatment. The Missouri Department of Corrections Employee Handbook outlines the procedures for addressing PTSD and other work-related injuries and illnesses.
Even if you love working as a correctional officer, you should not have to live with life-altering illnesses or injuries. While PTSD may be tough to identify, it may also leave you with serious complications. As such, you should understand how to seek treatment for your mental health. Furthermore, you must follow procedures to seek fair compensation for your PTSD.
