Presenteeism: What is It and How to Deal With It

You are mentally stressed, unfocused, or otherwise struggling. You probably should stay at home but you don’t. As a motivated responsible person, you go to your classes or to work anyway.

Has this ever happened to you?

This a situation is called, “Presenteeism,” where you are at work or in class even though you aren’t functioning at your best (as opposed to absenteeism, where you are not present for the same reasons.) Presenteeism can be driven by financial need or desire to do well, but also by an expectation by teachers and employers that you are present “no matter what.” But merely being present isn’t actually effective or healthy. Presenteeism can lead to reduced productivity in and out of work or class and further illness, which doesn’t help anyone. If the underlying issues are left untreated, your work, grades, and class attendance will suffer over the long-term.

You owe it to yourself to seek mental healthcare if you are troubled by the psychological issues that lead to Presenteeism. You want to be the best you can be, so a psychological intervention may be just the ticket. Let a qualified caring mental health professional help you manage your stress, anxiety, depression, and other related conditions through therapy and/ or medication.

Don’t have the time, you say?

What if you can meet with your healthcare provider almost any time and any place? On a bus, in a coffee shop, between classes, or at home? Would you be more likely to get help if you could do that?

Well, you can. Telepsychiatry is here. It’s called the Virtual Psych Network™, or VPN™,  a network-based system providing access between patients and their mental health providers. Using your smart phone, tablet, or computer, you can have an in-person consultation with your mental health professional.

Talk to a mental healthcare provider at PTI, download an app, and someone will always be by your side if you need a little extra help.