Looking After Your Mental Health
, 2 min reading time
In Australia, organisations like Beyond Blue and Lifeline remind us that one in five Australians will experience a mental health condition in any given year. That means it affects our families, workplaces, schools and communities every day.
What Do We Mean by “Mental Health”?
Mental health refers to your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how you think, feel and act and how you cope with stress. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are medical conditions, not personal weaknesses.
How can your Pharmacist help?
As one of the most accessible health professionals in Australia, your pharmacist is often the first point of contact. We can:
ü Explain how antidepressants, mood stabilisers or anti-anxiety medications work
ü Discuss expected side effects and how long they may take to improve symptoms
ü Check for interactions with other medicines or supplements
ü Provide advice on sleep, stress management and lifestyle factors
ü Refer you to a GP or psychologist when needed
Many mental health medicines take a few weeks to show full benefit. It’s common not to feel immediate improvement, and that doesn’t mean they aren’t working. If side effects occur, speak with us before stopping treatment abruptly.
Find your nearest Direct Chemist Outlet store.
References
3. https://www.psa.org.au/improve-quality-use-of-medicines-to-improve-mental-health-care-report-2