Mental Health and Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries are real injuries. They can be caused by work events, bullying, trauma or prolonged stress — or develop after a physical injury.
Psychological injury claims
Most schemes cover psychological injuries, but often with stricter tests and exclusions for 'reasonable management action'.
PTSD and trauma
Some states have presumptive laws for first responders with PTSD. Check your state page.
Bullying and harassment
You may have options under workers' compensation, Fair Work (stop bullying orders) and anti-discrimination laws.
Getting support now
Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7), Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, 13YARN 13 92 76. In an emergency call 000.
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.
Related situations
Guides for this topic
My workers' compensation claim has been rejected.
Why claims are rejected, how to ask for a review, and the time limits that apply.
Read the plain-English guideWhat happens if I suffer another injury?
New injuries, aggravations of existing conditions, and secondary (consequential) injuries.
Read the plain-English guideSupport
Services that can help
13YARN
24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, run by Mob for Mob.
Covers: National
Beyond Blue
Support for anxiety, depression and mental health, with phone and online counselling.
Covers: National
Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. Call or text any time if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Covers: National
Medicare Mental Health
Government service to help you find the right mental health support for you.
Covers: National
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Free 24/7 counselling for current and former ADF members and their families.
Covers: Cwlth, National