SHAKTI PERSPECTIVES
Shakti perspectives: Shefali
Sharing her experience as a health professional in the field of pharmacy discussing mental health.
Mental health disorders are frequently encountered within the community, affecting one in five adults aged between 16 and 85 at any given time, and affecting half the population during their lifetime. As pharmacists are often the first point of contact for consumers regarding their health, individuals living with a mental health condition are likely to seek their assistance. Therefore, mental health first aid education should be prioritized.
After all, it is equally important as physical health. Particularly in the South Asian community, where mental health is sheltered, pharmacists can make a huge impact by simply asking, “are you ok?”. Life will throw wrenches at you from time to time but remember one thing: “if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball”.