Inspired by mental health month, which ran throughout February, the two-part podcast focusses on how pharmacy professionals can look after their own mental health, as well as providing tips on how to speak to patients dealing with mental health issues.

 

Read more: Podcast – My journey to become Lloydspharmacy’s first ever female superintendent pharmacist

 

Mr Ofori-Atta’s guest on the first part of the podcast is Shabbir Mellick, who was voted the winner of the Above and Beyond category at the C+D Awards 2020 by the public. Mr Mellick was also recognised in the Public Health Champion of the Year category for events he organised with students, spiritual institutions and elsewhere to promote the importance of mental health.

He has written books on managing your mental health in a holistic way and also works in the cognitive behavioural therapy field.

In this podcast, Mr Mellick discusses:

• His own experiences with mental health
• What pharmacists can do to protect their mental health
• Best practice for talking to patients who may be experiencing mental health issues.

You can listen to part one of the podcast below.

 

 

In the second part of the podcast, Mr Ofori-Atta spoke to Melissa Cochrane, senior wellbeing development officer at the charity Pharmacist Support. Pharmacist Support offers counselling and peer support, as well as advice on addiction and finances.

 

Read more: 'Variety is the spice of life': pharmacist Paul Summerfield on his career

 

In the podcast, Ms Cochrane discusses:

• What kinds of assistance Pharmacist Support can offer
• The importance of a holistic approach to mental health
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected pharmacists’ mental health.

 

You can listen to the podcast below.

 

 

You can listen to both parts of the podcast above. Alternatively, follow C+D's podcasts by searching “Chemist+Druggist podcast” on your preferred app or on Soundcloud

You can contact Pharmacist Support by emailing [email protected] or calling 08081682233/0808 168 5133 for free.