The COVID-19 pandemic started as a worldwide concern about physical health, but it also sparked a global mental health crisis in the process. Some experts have even started calling it the new pandemic.
Physical health is often what we pay attention to the most, but mental health is just as significant. When patients get sick with cold or fever, they immediately recognize the symptoms and proactively find ways to improve their condition, such as consulting a doctor or taking medications. Mental illnesses may not be as noticeable, making it harder for people to recognize when they are already living with it.
How Pinoys are Handling Mental Health
A recent global survey revealed that 63 percent of Filipinos believe that mental health will remain a critical issue in 2023. Forty-four percent of those who were surveyed believe post-pandemic adjustments will lead to more mental health issues. The effects of the pandemic on the mental and emotional state of Filipinos vary for each person, but what is certain is that it has heavily aggravated their quality of life. Similarly, the recovery timeline vary as well with some taking longer to recover.
In addition, studies have shown that long COVID symptoms may continue to persist for years after infection, which also affects mental health. It has been associated with sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety, to name a few. Mental health conditions may be a challenge to address, but it is possible with the right support and treatment.
Mental health awareness has seen improvement in the past years, as seen by the increasing number of psychological services and mental health initiatives made available. Even with these options, many people continue to struggle with mental health conditions, affecting their day-to-day activities
How can pharmacists help when it comes to mental health?
Pharmacists play a role in providing support for people living with mental health conditions. They help in the review of patient medications, counseling, and education. They can also assist in referring patients to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
One form of symptom management when it comes to mental health is by taking prescribed medication. Pharmacists are at a convenient position to provide patients with helpful information regarding the medications they are taking, including expected medication responses, potential drug interactions, and side effects to watch out for.
Some of the prescription medicines for certain mental health conditions—like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and certain anti-psychotics—may interact with other medications they are taking. This can decrease, enhance, or delay the effects of drugs and result in adverse reactions. Pharmacists can help by reviewing their prescription and medication history to make sure this does not happen. Additionally, pharmacists can aid patients by supervising compliance to the medication or treatment.
Lastly, pharmacists can also share lifestyle advice for patients, such as tips on engaging in relaxation techniques, improving sleep hygiene, directing them to support groups, and practicing alcohol avoidance, to name a few. These lifestyle changes may also aid in improving and managing symptoms of several mental illnesses.
Coping with—and more importantly, recovering from—mental health conditions does not happen overnight. It takes collective effort from the healthcare industry to help someone struggling with their mental health, and it is important to acknowledge the essential role pharmacists play in facilitating their recovery.
Sources:
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/the-role-of-the-community-pharmacist-in-mental-health
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20369/
https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/mental-health-and-covid-19
https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/glossary/drug-drug-interaction
Robles, Y.R. (2022). Goal-Centered Pharmacy Care Series No. 7: Mental Health [Webinar]
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/08/17/understanding-the-link-between-long-covid-and-mental-health-conditions
