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You are not alone

If you are struggling with a mental health disorder, you are not alone.

The ‘Mental Health and COVID-19 in South Africa’ paper indicated that before the COVID pandemic, 1 in 6 South Africans already suffered from anxiety, depression or a substance use disorder, with
possibly 60% of people dealing with post-traumatic stress. However, only 27% of South Africans with severe mental disorders receive treatment.

Following a scientific brief, the World Health Organisation urged countries to step up mental health services and support, pointing to an increase in the global presence of anxiety and depression by a substantial 25% in the first year of COVID.

How can your Link pharmacist help you?

  • An article in the Pharmacy Times suggested that pharmacies can play an important role in highlighting mental health disorders through information campaigns and providing a space for customers to talk about what they are experiencing.
  • As community-based pharmacies, Link pharmacists has a natural empathy for their customers and they can listen to you with a compassionate and experienced ear and encourage you to see your doctor for help.
  • Your Link pharmacist can inform you of possible side effects where medication is prescribed. According to WebMD medication can take 4-6 weeks to take effect and, if one drug is not effective, there are others that your doctor can prescribe for you.

Pharmacists can provide a caring partner for people struggling with mental wellbeing disorders.

You are not alone!

 

While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.

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