CARE CHEMIST ENCOURAGES KIWIS TO SHARE MEDICATION CONCERNS

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week (4-10 October), Care Chemist, the country’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, is encouraging people with mental health conditions to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about their medicines, with their local Care Chemist pharmacist.

According to the Best Practice Advocacy Centre (BPAC), 47% of New Zealanders will experience a mental illness and/or an addiction at some time in their lives, with one in five people affected every year. On top of that, The World Health Organisation has predicted that by 2020, depression will be the second highest cause of death and disability in the world.

‘Sadly, depression is on the rise, both in this country and overseas and if left untreated, can have a major impact on physical and mental health,’ explains Care Chemist spokesperson, Antony Wentworth.

‘The good news is that you don’t have to deal with depression on your own,’ says Antony. ‘The first step is to talk to your GP and embark on a course of treatment that is suitable for you.

There are many different treatments for depression, including medication, talk therapies and self- help strategies.

‘If you have been prescribed medication for depression, make sure you discuss medicine management with your Care Chemist pharmacist as they will be able to help you maximise the benefits and minimise the side effects of your medication. Our Care Chemist pharmacists are also on hand to check for potential interactions between your prescription medications and assist you with recommendation on the suitability of supplements.’

On top of taking suitable medication, Antony suggests striving to maintain a healthy body and mind to maintain that all-important emotional balance. Strategies include eating a well balanced diet and exercising in moderation. This helps keep energy levels up and gives a sense of being in control of life. Keeping socially active along with planning enjoyable activities to look forward also

contributes to feeling vital and energetic.