Win a SANE guide to mental illness for your pharmacy
Behind the Counter
Win a SANE guide to mental illness for your pharmacy
23 Jan 2012
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PSi has one copy to give away of the SANE Guide for Pharmacy Staff—a guide to mental illness for staff working in pharmacies. Send us your top tip about how you dealt successfully with a colleague or employee’s mental health issues in pharmacy to win the guide.
We'll pick a winner on March 15, 2012 at midday.
I feel that by being mindful at all times of the situation that a colleague has dealt with ensures that the person will not feel alienated or inferior as an employee. Encouraging a team work atmosphere will ensure a secure atmosphere for all staff.
Being someone that you staff feel comfortable to open up to and have confidence that issues will be kept confidential is always important when dealing with mental health issues. The mental health issues are not always directly affecting the staff member but a family member. I currently am helping my staff deal with alcoholism with a spouse, family member's depression,suicide of a close friend and caring for ill elderly parents. These issues have a great impact on my staff.I listen when needed, arrange time off when needed and refer to other health professionals just like I would for a customer.
By being there for the staff member and listening if they need to talk being as flexible as we can be within the buissness to give them time where required.having a good team environment for the staff member to work in
Just being there when they need someone to talk to and giving them space when they need it.
Being a good listener is a great start. Always make those around you feel comfortable when they talk to you. Remind them that help can be found in many places. But offer advice slowly, these things can be difficult and complex at the best of times.
I have found having a strong team environment where everyone feels valued and confident greatly impacts staff members, you have to first know someone if affected by a mental illness before you can successfully deal with it, if staff are confident and valued they are more likely to disclose any illness they are affected by. Then understanding not only the illness but the signs that your collegue might be struggling, just as there are signs with any other illness, you can then support them.
Any personal trauma can effect a persons mental state,they can react in many ways.It is important to look out for changes in a staff member's behavior,perhaps they may be noticeably upset or quiet and withdrawn.Their work habits may change also,late for work,more sick days than usual,not caring of their appearance, despondent with customer's and showing a general lack of interest.I always approach situations discreetly,I let the staff member know that I am aware something is wrong and offer support,it is important they know that someone is willing to listen and offer help.It is also important to let the owner and other member's of staff know that you are dealing with the situation when appropriate.
I found that the best way to support a staff member who has a mental health issue is to respect their privacy and keep an open mind. It takes a lot of courage for someone to tell you that they are suffering from such a thing. Any labelling or preconceived ideas of what a person with mental health issues is going through is unethical, as each person has an individualised experience. The worst thing you can do is treat them any differently to how you treated them before. A supportive work environment is an effective way to ensure that all staff feel comfortable and appreciated. Flexibility with staff can also help them cope at times of high stress.
And the winner is... Lorraine Campbell! With several really thoughtful answers, this was a tough decision.
Lorraine, someone from the PSi team will be in touch shortly!