The profession of pharmacy offers unforgettable experiences of patient interactions that are incorporated with drug effectiveness and safety. It is a dynamic field that includes careers in industry, education, retail, clinical, and much more. The road of pharmacy, however, is rigorous and stressful. Once out in the work field, the everyday rounds and possible negative interactions may place huge burdens on the pharmacist, leading to increased mental issues and burnout. Recently, there has been increasing numbers of people developing mental health issues nationwide, especially young adults.1 As a result, some college campuses have reported having a difficult time keeping up with providing resources for students.2

In order to combat this problem, the SIUe School of Pharmacy recently initiated “ePower” – Embracing the Promotion of Well-being and Resilience. Faculty and students have stepped up to begin this initiative to grow and strengthen wellness. The hope is to allow students to become more self-aware of how well-being is an important aspect of life. It is also a key player in overall mental health and happiness. Drs. Kelly Gable and Misty Gonzalez, two SIUe school of pharmacy professors who are heavily involved in mental health, have provided plenty of opportunities and information for students to learn more about the core problems of these issues. They have provided countless methods on how to improve well-being. Dr. Gable has graciously provided us with her opinions on mental health in our society today in the transcribed interview on the following page: 

A: “Mental illnesses are common, and I very much appreciate the public health campaign by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlighting that 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental illness in a given year.  Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health treatment and limited access to mental health care continue to be barriers for many individuals.”

Q. What is your opinion on the use of medications to help treat mental health disorders (such as antidepressants or anxiolytics)?
A: “Psychiatric medications are an integral aspect of treatment for many psychiatric conditions, however  medications are often just one part of an overall wellness plan. For mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, medications are often considered first-line and necessary for symptom reduction and improved quality  of life. For health conditions such as depression and anxiety, antidepressants and anxiolytics are certainly valuable, but practicing overall wellness is also incredibly valuable. This may include the integration of psychotherapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and proper nutrition and exercise.  Psychiatric medications should always be prescribed in a thoughtful manor, weighing risk (adverse effects, drug interactions) with benefits (improved mood and sleep, reduced psychosis and anxiety). I am also an advocate of the shared decision-making model, an approach that encourages a collaborative treatment plan that supports the patient as an active participant in their care.”

A: “I always encourage and empower people to learn more about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis and learn more about how to link someone to helpful mental health resources. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an Australian-derived program that has become widely recognized and utilized in the US. It is an 8-hour program that teaches individuals (similar to CPR course) how to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis. At SIUE SOP, we have committed to incorporating this training into our curriculum, so that all of our students will feel more comfortable and confident in their ability to help their patients, community members, and family/friends. An important part of helping someone who is struggling with their mental health is to first listen non-judgmentally.”

A: “Learn to be self-aware. Recognize emotion dysregulation, such as intense anger, stress, or sadness. Practice self-care, which is specific to each individual. This can be mindful breathing, going for a walk, or watching your favorite show.  Determine what self-care practice best fits your needs and commit to at least 5 minutes of self-care each day!”

At the SIUe School of Pharmacy, we want our students to feel right at home. Below are a few examples of the ePower initiative which we call, “Hour of Power”. Every month, one pharmacy organization at the SOP will host a Wellness Wednesday, initiated by Dr. Jess Kerr, in which students participate. We have had therapy dogs, board games, and stress-ball making, all of which have been a very fun and relaxing break from academics! We hope to continue these fun activities in future months.