Mental Health Support

Community pharmacies are increasingly playing a major role in helping patients manage mental health issues. In addition, because of their accessibility, community pharmacies may be the first place a person visits to seek help from a healthcare professional in regard to a mental illness.

Mental illness comprises a wide range of disorders and varies in its severity. Some of the more common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. It is estimated that 45% of Australians will suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime.

With the right health care support, patients experiencing a mental health issue can boost their wellbeing if their condition is managed. Community pharmacies play an important role in helping patients’ (and their carers) stay mentally healthy through education on medicines and options, promoting adherence to their medicines regimens and also in helping the lifestyle changes (weight management, smoking cessation etc).

Community pharmacists are the medicines experts and anyone taking medicines for mental health issues should talk to their pharmacist about these medicines, how they should be taken and any possible side effects.

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