Conclusion

Community pharmacists and their teams have a vital role to play in supporting patients with depression, particularly in terms of being alert for the signs in those who may be suffering from the condition but have not yet sought medical help, and in providing advice to patients who have been prescribed an antidepressant for the first time. 

In both situations, the patient may be experiencing feelings of uncertainty as well as low mood and other symptoms of depression, and so feeling that someone is looking out for them can be a much needed – and sometimes lifesaving – boost. There is also much to be said for empowering patients so they feel in control of their condition and treatment by providing information and counselling that they may have missed out on elsewhere.

Useful resources

• Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme
• Side by Side from Mind
• Shout text support service: 85258
• Reading Well
• Moodgym
• Overcoming
• Fitness Blender
• Couch to 5K 
• Conservation Volunteers' Green Gym programme
• British Nutrition Foundation: Can a healthier diet improve depression?
• Royal College of Psychiatrists ‘Sleeping Well’ patient leaflet.