Striking A Chord

Written by Laure James - Editor Pharmacy in Focus

Monday, 07 June 2010 14:25

At the frontline of healthcare, community pharmacy is not only highly committed to caring for those who have diagnosed conditions and their symptoms but to also professionally intervene whenever the first indications of ill health are presented. However, sensitively and appropriately recognising the symptoms of depression can be very challenging. One in four UK adults will suffer from depression at some point yet for most, mental health is an off-limits subject. The Ulster Chemistsí Association in partnership with Aware Defeat Depression has recently campaigned to raise awareness of how debilitating it can be living with depression, both for sufferers and their families. A number of initiatives have already helped to encourage the public, local politicians and healthcare professionals to change their attitudes towards people with mental health problems.  On Friday April 30, the UCA hosted Self Care Day, supported by all member pharmacies which gave out leaflets and information about depression and the lifelines available for those who may be in need. UCA president Paula McDaid was delighted with the success of the day. ìThe Ulster Chemists Association is extremely pleased to have been able to support such an important event as Depression Aware Week,î Paula said. ìDepression is an issue that affects not just the sufferers but their families also. The challenge is to change the mindset and enable a more open approach to people with mental health issues and to be more understanding of how they feel in certain environments. ìDepression is becoming increasingly prevalent, so it is even more important than ever before, that people suffering know where to turn for help. Community Pharmacies can offer patients and familiesí information, support and signposting as well as help with managing their medication. The pharmacy is ideally situated on the high street to promote self care. We are extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to do this through Depression Aware Weekís Self Care day.î   Meanwhile, the charity also officially launched Depression Aware Week last month, welcoming local personality and honorary member Lynda Bryans and Lord Mayor Naomi Long to City Hall in Belfast. The launch also provided the opportunity for the charityís many volunteers to gain recognition and thanks for their continued dedication. UCA Executive Committee member Peter Wright also the Question Time event at Stormont. ìI thought it was a very successful event and I was impressed with the understanding of the Health Committee of the needs of those with mental health conditions and I was also impressed that they had a good understanding of how funding is needed at ground level,î Peter told NIPinF. ìThe MLAs on the Health Committee certainly seem to show great interest in this area, described as the ëCinderellaí of health. Funding and resources are available within the Department of Health, it is now of course a question of how to obtain this and how to ensure that voluntary groups and charities are appropriately supported. ìFrom a pharmacy perspective we would be very happy to see funding be made available as there is a continued need for interaction between pharmacy and such organisations, to promote mental health issues in the public. With proper funding, we would be able to strengthen these connections and to care for those with mental health conditions in the community.î