Challenge
Grief can affect people in many ways, but when trauma is added in, it can be especially hard to overcome. *Kelon had worked as a transit train operator for many years, now being fifty-seven years old and still loving his job. He was working as normal during the daily rush hour when his train struck and killed a person in an apparent suicide. Unfortunately, this was his second suicide incident in the last couple of years.
Growing fearful of his daily job and not knowing how to approach the trauma he had been through, he filed a mental stress workers’ compensation claim as a result. A claims adjuster quickly engaged Careworks behavioral health solution due to our early intervention stress claim approach. After receiving the claim, *Travis, a behavioral health specialist, immediately reached out to Kelon to see how he could best support him in his recovery journey while providing mental safety.
Solution
Travis spoke with Kelon about how he was feeling, and as the call went on, Kelon talked openly with Travis. They discussed strategies for self-care, including suggestions on improving sleep and various stress management techniques to try.
Since the workers’ compensation claim accepted a potential psychological condition as compensable, Travis was able to arrange an appointment for Kelon to see a trauma psychologist. To secure the next steps in recovery, Travis coordinated with the treatment provider to ensure that Kelon was seen and evaluated promptly. He also communicated to the treatment provider that they needed to address return-to-work objectives in the session to continue moving Kelon toward his goals.
Result
Travis remained on the file and followed up with Kelon periodically to help him maintain focus on his return to work. While completing his therapy, Kelon was able to be at work with temporary restrictions. Travis continued encouraging Kelon and ensured he had the stress management techniques and resources he needed should a traumatic event like this happen again. Confident and informed, Kelon was able to return to full duty at the job he loved only four months after the initial incident.
*Names changed for privacy purposes