Stress, anxiety, and other mental health claims are evaluated individually. Many states, including California and Oregon, recognize the importance of covering employees for stress-induced conditions under workers' compensation. To qualify for these benefits, employees must demonstrate that their work environment is the primary cause of their stress or anxiety, distinctly separating it from personal life stressors.

For a mental health condition to be covered under workers' compensation, it must be directly linked to the employee's job duties or workplace environment. Conditions that may be eligible for coverage include:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Proving a mental health claim can be challenging, as these conditions are not as visibly evident as physical injuries. To be considered for compensation, the mental health issue must significantly hinder the employee's job performance. Examples of scenarios that might be covered include experiencing PTSD following a violent incident at work or developing anxiety due to workplace harassment.

When employees begin to notice that their mental health issues may be linked to their work environment or job duties, it's crucial to start a detailed documentation process. This involves keeping a comprehensive record of all relevant experiences that could support a claim for workers' compensation due to stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Here's how to effectively document your experiences for a workers' compensation claim:

• Detailed Incident Logs: Keep a journal or log where you record specific incidents that have contributed to your stress or anxiety. For each incident, note the date, time, location, and a detailed description of what occurred. Include any interactions with supervisors, coworkers, or clients that negatively impacted your mental health.
  

• Symptom Diary: Alongside incident logs, maintain a diary of your symptoms. Record the onset of any stress or anxiety symptoms, their frequency, and their severity. Note how these symptoms impact your ability to perform your job and your daily life outside of work.
  
  
• Witness Statements: If colleagues or other witnesses were present during incidents that exacerbated your mental health issues, ask them to provide written statements. These accounts can add credibility to your claim by corroborating your experiences.

• Medical Records: Seek medical attention for your mental health issues and ensure that your healthcare provider is aware that your condition may be related to your work environment. Medical records, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and notes from your healthcare provider, are crucial pieces of evidence for your claim.
  
  
• Communication Records: Save copies of any emails, messages, or written communications related to your work stress or incidents that have contributed to your condition. This can include emails seeking support from HR, reports of harassment, or any other documentation that shows you've communicated your concerns to your employer.

Work Performance Documents: Include any relevant work performance reviews or records that may show changes in your job performance related to your mental health issues. This can help demonstrate the impact of your work environment on your mental health.



This meticulous documentation serves as the foundation of your workers' compensation claim for stress and anxiety. It provides a clear, chronological account of how your work environment has affected your mental health, strengthening your case when filing a claim with the insurance company. Remember, the more detailed and organized your documentation, the better prepared you will be to navigate the claims process successfully.