“My Job Is Wearing Me Down!” | Can You Claim WSIB for Work Stress? What Counts and What Does Not

A mental injury from work is a real injury. Ontario's workplace insurance system recognizes that, within specific rules. Knowing them helps you decide what to do next.

Does the WSIB cover mental stress?

Yes, under two policies: traumatic mental stress and chronic mental stress. Both apply to decisions made on or after March 1, 2024, for injuries on or after January 1, 2018.

What is traumatic mental stress?

A reaction to a traumatic event at work. The WSIB's traumatic mental stress policy says the event must be clearly identifiable and objectively traumatic, such as witnessing a death, an armed robbery, or being the target of violence or death threats. You must have experienced or witnessed it first hand. A reaction to a series of traumatic events over time can also qualify.

What is chronic mental stress?

A reaction to a substantial work-related stressor over time. Under the chronic mental stress policy, a stressor is generally substantial when it is excessive in intensity or duration compared with the normal pressures on similar workers. Workplace harassment is generally considered a substantial stressor. The stressor must be the predominant cause of the diagnosed condition.

What is not covered?

Stress caused by your employer's ordinary decisions about your employment. The policies list terminations, demotions, transfers, discipline, changes in working hours and changes in productivity expectations. Harassment, and conduct a reasonable person would see as egregious or abusive, are treated differently.

Do I need a diagnosis?

Yes. The WSIB requires a diagnosis under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM, before it decides. Examples include acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and anxiety or depressive disorders. A physician, nurse practitioner, psychologist or psychiatrist can make the diagnosis.

Separate rules apply to first responders and some other designated workers claiming post-traumatic stress disorder.

What should I record?

• Each incident. Date, time, place, who was involved and what was said or done.
• Witnesses. Who saw or heard it.
• Reports you made. Complaints to a supervisor or human resources, and the replies.
• How it affects you. Sleep, appetite, concentration, time off and daily life, with dates.
• Every appointment. Who you saw and what they recommended.

Writing things down when they happen is hard on difficult days. Short notes still count.

Who can help?

The Office of the Worker Adviser, if you are not in a union. It is an independent agency of the Ontario government, and its service to non-unionized injured workers is free. Its number for English service is 1-800-435-8980. If you are in a union, start with your union representative. A community legal clinic is another free route.

If you are struggling right now, talk to your doctor, or call or text 9-8-8, Canada's suicide crisis helpline, at any time.

Read next

• “What Happens Now?” | Hurt at Work in Ontario? Your WSIB Claim, Step by Step
• “WSIB Rejected My Claim!” | WSIB Denied Your Claim? Your Next Steps Before the Deadline

If your recovery were reviewed tomorrow, what would your record say?

The National Workplace Injury Recovery Guide is where your recovery gets documented, day by day. Symptoms, appointments, calls and costs, written while they are fresh. It works in every province and it stands on its own.

See the National Guide$39

Both guides, $39 until 22 November. Add the Ontario Workplace Injury Companion Guide for the dates and rules that shape your recovery in Ontario, and the discount applies at checkout. Bought separately: $63.99.

Every figure in this article comes from a named source. How we check
Last verified: October 2026.