By Megan Moosa
Early intervention is crucial for individuals recovering from physical injuries who also present with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. These psychological factors can significantly influence the pace, effectiveness, and overall success of physical recovery and psycho-social well-being.
For clients who sustain a mental health injury such as work-related stress, anxiety, depression or trauma, early intervention* is critical to supporting recovery and ensuring a successful, sustainable return to work (RTW). Delayed treatment increases the risk of prolonged absence, social disconnection, and chronic disability.
*within the first 4 – 6 weeks of injury
The biological and psychological mechanisms of depression and anxiety not only affect mental health but have a direct impact on physical recovery. Integrating early psychological screening and intervention into injury management plans is essential to support holistic recovery. Common psychological screeners and intervention methods could include:
Screening Tools
· Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS21 or DASS42)
- A self-report scale assessing the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress.
· PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)
- Screens for post traumatic stress disorder often used for workplace trauma, assault, and injury.
· The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS)
- Measures the impact of psychological symptoms on functioning at home, work and social interaction.
Intervention Tools
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts (cognitions) and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress or dysfunction. CBT focuses on the principle that thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected in changing negative thought patterns to improve mood and behaviour.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A form of behavioural therapy that encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than fight them. ACT focuses on the client’s ability to stay present and utilises mindfulness, acceptance and values-based action in times of distress to build a meaningful life and create change.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR): A trauma-focused psychotherapy that helps individuals process and heal from distressing memories or traumatic events bilateral stimulation such as eye movements. When used in EMDR, bilateral stimulation facilitates the reprocessing of trauma memories which may be poorly processed by the brain thus helping the brain store the trauma memories more appropriately without the use of talk therapy.
Navigating treatment and support can be an extremely stressful and confusion space for the individual post injury, thus employers, insurers, and healthcare providers all play a vital role in recognising signs early and facilitating timely access to appropriate care. Early intervention plays an integral role in supporting individuals’ recovery, improving their overall well-being, and allowing for a safe return to employment long-term.
