A community pharmacy environment that fosters teamwork ensured high levels of consumer satisfaction. This series of articles is designed for you to use as guide to assist your team in focusing on meeting ongoing CPD targets and to identify any training needs in order to keep the knowledge and skills of you and your team up to date.
The below information, considerations and checklist provides support to enable you to un a team training session and identify opportunities for learning within the topic of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are like the symptoms of normal depression. But they occur repetitively at a particular time of year. They usually start in the autumn or winter and improve in the spring.
The nature and severity of SAD varies from person-to-person. Some people just find the condition a bit irritating. For others, it can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day life.
Most people with SAD will feel depressed during the autumn and winter. Sufferers often are less active than normal as they lack energy and find it difficult to concentrate, and may experience problems sleeping and controlling what they eat, and have a low libido. The cause of SAD is not fully understood but it is likely to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, which interferes with the body’s normal production of the hormones melatonin and serotonin (which affect sleep and mood, respectively). SAD is thought to affect around two million people in the UK.
Signs that they may be depressed include:
• a persistent low mood
• a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
• feeling irritable
• feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
• low self-esteem
• tearfulness
• feeling stressed or anxious
• a reduced sex drive
• becoming less sociable
A small number of people have these symptoms in phases that are separated by “manic” periods. During these, they feel happy, energetic and much more sociable. SAD can be difficult to diagnose because there are many other types of depression that have similar symptoms.
A diagnosis of SAD can usually be confirmed if:
• Their depression occurs at a similar time each year
• The periods of depression are followed by periods without depression
• They have had symptoms during the same time of year for 2 or more years in a row
There are some things sufferers can try that may help improve their symptoms. This might range from getting as much natural sunlight as possible, even a brief walk at lunchtime; making their work and home environment as light and airy as possible; eating a healthy and balanced diet; avoiding stressful situations and taking appropriate steps to manage stress.
It is important sufferers are encouraged to talk to their family and friends about SAD. This will help them understand how and why their mood changes during the winter.
Further Resources:
YourMentalHealth.ie
YourMentalHealth Information Line 1800 111 888
Consider:
The common causes of depression and poor mental health, including lifestyle issues, medication and conditions that can cause depression.
How to spot depression in both colleagues and customers to get them the help they need.
The limitations and benefits of OTC medicines for depression.
The importance of good sleep hygiene for everyone.
Lifestyle issues that may cause depression, and tips on improving lifestyle.
The importance of regular food intake and sufficient exercise.
When to refer customers to the pharmacist.
Key Points:
Check your pharmacy team are aware and understand the following key points:
The pharmacy team knows to be sensitive in dealing with customers who may feel vulnerable as a result of poor mental health.
The team knows which groups of customers are likely to be at risk of depression and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.
My pharmacy assistants can meet the points in this training checklist.
Actions:
Ensure efficient sign posting to discreet consultation areas within the pharmacy for further help and advice.
Ensure that I know the recommendations for each OTC treatment which impact a customer’s mental health.
Do any of us suffer from depression in the pharmacy team? Are some individuals more affected than others? If so, why?
Are we confident about raising issues of depression and mental health with customers?
Can we provide good advice on dealing with depression?
Train the team to meet all the above considerations.
