Today's Perspective
Kristin Wiisanen PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP, Pharmacy Today editor in chief
In 2023, nearly 30% of U.S. adults reported being diagnosed with depression at some point in their life, up almost 10 percentage points since 2015. As the most accessible health care professionals, pharmacists interact with many of these patients. Nearly 24% of pharmacists have encountered a patient who made concerning statements related to suicide, while almost all have seen a person in distress in their pharmacy.
This month’s Pharmacy Today cover story explores these trends and the growth of educational opportunities for pharmacists and other health care providers in this area. Mental health first aid training teaches health care professionals and others how to recognize the signs and symptoms of distress and equips them to respond to challenges. “The pharmacists trained (in mental health first aid) can be a first line of help for people who may need support with mental health or substance use challenges,” said Tramaine EL-Amin, mental health first aid vice president at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. To date, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing has trained more than 4 million individuals in all 50 states.
In this issue of Today, you’ll also find tips for patients with atopic dermatitis or dry skin and learn about FluMist, approved in September as the first vaccine that doesn’t need to be administered by a health care professional. You’ll also get the latest on RSV prevention, learn why some patients are compounding their own forms of some medications, and catch up on your CPE credit with this month’s article on long-acting antiviral injectables to prevent HIV transmission.
You can offer support to individuals in your pharmacy who are struggling with mental health or substance use challenges. Taking the first step of approaching someone in distress and simply listening to them nonjudgmentally can make all the difference. APhA has partnered with the National Council of Mental Wellbeing to offer a mental health first aid training program. Learn more about steps you can take to provide support to distressed patients and register for an upcoming training session at www.pharmacist.com. ■