Page 49 - Demo

MEN’S HEALTH 47 Associate Professor Knowles lists the following websites that may be useful when working with customers suffering mental health concerns: • beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it- affect/men/taking-action • headsup.org.au/supporting-others/ starting-a-conversation • headspace.org.au/friends- and-family/how-to-start-the- conversation-about-mental-health/ • betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ ServicesAndSupport/types-of- mental-health-issues-and-illnesses • blackdoginstitute.org.au • mensline.org.au increasing helplessness. It’s important for the pharmacist to reach out and counter these biased perceptions.” He continued: “If the pharmacist is assisting with someone who has a depression diagnosis and is receiving treatment, then a key role is to normalise or destigmatise depression. The pharmacist could also play a role in encouraging the patient to reflect on their progress – how do they think the treatments are working.” While conversations are important, Professor Murray warns that “psychological intervention is fundamental in the comprehensive management of depression”, meaning that referral to appropriate services is of significant importance when working with these customers. Associate Professor Knowles adds that other useful considerations for working with customers who may be at risk of mental health concerns include thinking about “what would help the customer, what do they need, what resources does the customer have, and are they connected with a GP, psychiatrist or psychologist?” When managing their medications, he suggests considering “who approved them, are the medications helping, and are there any barriers about taking the medications?” And if medications aren’t helping, “a medical review may be needed”. Mr Quigley adds that when working with customers who may be struggling mentally, pharmacists “need to be patient and very supportive”. He says pharmacists also need to be aware “of any nutrient depletion that the medications may be causing”. “They need to be aware of the vast array of adverse effects many of the antidepressants carry, and be ready to go through these and discuss them with the patient who feels that these adverse effects are affecting their quality of life,” he said. “And often, that person won’t have the confidence to go to the doctor. They’ll tend to come to the pharmacist.” Mr Quigley stresses that as an often “underused” service, “pharmacists are very much part of the team” when working with customers who present with mental health concerns. References 1. MartinS,etal.‘Effectofdepressiononhealth service utilisation in men: A prospective cohort study of Australian men aged 35 to 80 years’. BMJ Open. Available at: bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/3/e044893 \[Accessed 27/4/21\] 2. Beyond Blue. ‘Know the signs and symptoms’. Available at: beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/ men/know-the-signs-and-symptoms \[Accessed 27/4/21\] 3. CABA. ‘How to start a conversation about mental health’. Available at: caba.org.uk/help-and-guides/ information/how-start-conversation-about-mental- health \[Accessed 27.4.21\] 23E007 Regenova Retail Pharmacy Half Page Horiz Ad Apr21.indd 1 Minoxidil 5% w/v topical solution 3 and 6 months value • For the treatment of hereditary hair loss • Stimulates hair regrowth over time • Continued use is required to improve and maintain hair regrowth • Exclusive to community pharmacies • Competitive trade margin • Supported by trade and consumer advertising • Australian owned and made Contact your Arrotex OTC Sales Representative directly or call 1300 927 769 to find out more Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. 15-17 Chapel Street Cremorne Victoria 3121. Ph 1300 927 769. ABN 33 605 909 911. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. www.arrowpharma.com.au. Date Prepared March 2021. 3/05/2021 10:33:45 AM RETAIL PHARMACY • JUN 2021 packs