CPD: SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING THROUGH WINTER


Learning objectives


After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to:


Recognise how winter and seasonal changes can affect mental health and wellbeing


Identify opportunities for community pharmacy teams to support people experiencing low mood, stress or anxiety


Signpost patients to appropriate sources of information and professional support


Shorter days, colder weather, reduced daylight and changes to daily routines can affect people’s mental health and wellbeing. For some, winter can also bring increased social isolation, particularly among older people or those living alone. Community pharmacies are well placed to recognise when someone may need additional support.


Understanding the impact of winter


Winter does not cause mental health problems in everyone, but seasonal changes can affect mood, sleep, activity levels and social interaction. Reduced daylight may affect some people’s sleep and daily routines, while colder weather can make it more difficult to remain active or maintain social connections. The festive period can also be challenging. Financial pressures, bereavement, loneliness, family difficulties or disruption to normal routines may contribute to stress, anxiety or low mood.


Some people experience a recurring pattern of depression during particular seasons, commonly referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Pharmacists should be aware of this possibility while recognising that persistent or significant symptoms may require assessment by a GP or other mental health professional.


Identifying opportunities in practice


Community pharmacists see patients regularly and may notice changes in behaviour or presentation over time. Routine interactions, medicines-related consultations and conversations about winter health can provide opportunities to ask simple questions about wellbeing.


Pharmacy teams may notice patients who:


• Appear unusually withdrawn, distressed or anxious


• Mention feeling persistently low or unable to cope


• Report changes in sleep, appetite or motivation • Are struggling to maintain usual activities


• Are experiencing difficulties taking or managing their medicines


A simple question such as “How are you feeling at the moment?” can provide an opportunity for someone to talk. The Public Health Agency’s Living Well programme has specifically promoted this approach through community pharmacy mental health campaigns.


Supporting positive wellbeing


Pharmacists do not need to provide specialist psychological treatment to make a difference. Small, practical interventions and appropriate signposting can be valuable.


Patients can be encouraged to:


• Maintain contact with family, friends and their community


• Keep physically active where possible • Establish regular sleep and daily routines • Get outside during daylight hours • Eat regularly and maintain a balanced diet • Make time for activities they enjoy


• Avoid relying on alcohol to manage difficult emotions


Medicines and mental health


Consultations can also provide opportunities to support patients who are already taking medicines for mental health conditions.


Pharmacists should encourage patients to continue taking prescribed medicines as directed and discuss any concerns about effectiveness or adverse effects. Changes to antidepressants, anxiolytics or other prescribed medicines should be discussed with an appropriate prescriber rather than patients stopping treatment themselves.


Pharmacy teams can also consider whether practical issues, such as difficulty collecting prescriptions, changes in routine or concerns about adherence, may affect a patient’s ability to manage their treatment.


Signposting and referral


Where a patient appears to need more support, pharmacists should know what local services are available and when referral is appropriate.


The Minding Your Head service provides information and resources relating to mental health and emotional wellbeing in Northern Ireland, including information about local support services. The PHA also provides access to the Community Wellbeing hub and other self-help resources.


Patients experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should be encouraged to speak with their GP or appropriate healthcare professional.


If someone is experiencing significant distress, feels unable to cope or may be at immediate risk of harming themselves or someone else, urgent mental health support is required. Lifeline (0808 808 8000) provides free, confidential crisis support in Northern Ireland 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


The wider role of community pharmacy


Community pharmacy has an important role in promoting mental health and wellbeing as part of routine healthcare. This does not mean diagnosing mental illness or replacing specialist services. Instead, pharmacists can provide a safe and accessible first conversation, recognise potential concerns and connect people with appropriate support.


As winter approaches, pharmacy teams can use everyday patient interactions to encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing, maintain social connections and seek help when needed. A simple conversation may be the first step towards someone receiving the support they need.


38 pharmacyinfocus.co.uk


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