When mental health affects your body, your pharmacy can help
Mental health challenges affect a huge portion of our population. Almost one in two adult Australians has experienced a mental health problem in their lifetime, and more than a quarter of 16-25 year olds have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the last 12 months.
While diagnosing and medicating mental health conditions is best left to professionals in the field such as doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists, your pharmacist can help to treat some of the side-effects that mental health challenges can have on your body.
Lowered immunity
When we are not feeling mentally well, our physical health can suffer. Things like more regular colds, eczema, cold sores and other conditions can pop up more regularly when we are run down by mental illness symptoms.
Your pharmacy team can help with many of these conditions, as well as others that can be triggered by lowered immunity, such as asthma.
Body aches, tension, and pain
Stress and anxiety can lead to body pain for a number of reasons. Firstly, holding our muscles tense can lead to headaches, back pain and even increases in blood pressure. Also, people living with chronic pain are more susceptible to depression and major depression itself can also cause pain. At your pharmacy, you can get access to a broad range of treatments for aches and pains, including:
- Massage creams such as Deep Heat
- Over the counter painkillers
- Wheat packs or heat packs
- Supplements such as magnesium and zinc
You can also have your blood pressure checked at your pharmacy at any time. Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. Also, if you find that gastro symptoms flare up when you are feeling anxious, there are over-the-counter medicines to help provide relief.
Changes in appearance
Mental health problems can also have side effects that show on the outside. Hair loss, skin changes such as rashes or acne, and weaker fingernails and skin can all be the result of the stress our bodies experience due to mental health challenges.
At your pharmacy, the team can advise you on treatments for all these symptoms and more in a way that is kind, respectful, and sensitive to your medical history if you wish to disclose it.
While you should always speak to your doctor about any mental health concerns, the team at Ramsay Pharmacy is available to help you make decisions about medicines and other products in a friendly, professional and supportive environment. Use our store finder to locate a Ramsay Pharmacy near you.