Pharmacist

MEDICATION IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD PART 1 OF 3

WHAT treatment is available for PND and PNDA? Psychotherapy (CBT, IPT, behaviour therapy, MBCT, counselling & more with a psychologist or counsellor or psychiatrist. Medications ECT (Electroconvulsive therapy) Ideally, the first step is to see your GP or obstetrician who can refer you to the appropriate health care professional. It would be a ‘step up’

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ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT WHAT IS ANGER? According to Charles Speilberger, PhD psychologist, anger is ‘an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage’. It exerts physiological and biological changes when you get angry; + your heart rate and blood pressure go up + energy hormone levels increase; adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

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BURNOUT

We have ALL heard about the term ‘burnout’, but what exactly is it and what is the difference to depression or mood related disorders? If we stop and think of our modern way of living; + looking after children + possibly broken sleep with children waking up throughout the night + getting everyone ready +

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ALCOHOL (& The Perinatal Period)

Since 7000 B.C in China, humans have been drinking alcohol! It’s been generally a socially and culturally accepted ‘crutch’ or tool to help us feel better or to celebrate with family and friends. Some quick statistics from Australia; In 2016 Australians spent $666 billion on general living costs, $14.9 billion was on alcohol vs $1.6

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THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

EXERCISE Exercise is a pivotal part and a positive strategy to have within your ‘tool-belt’ for benefits to both your physical and mental health. From the outset, I want to reiterate that when I speak of exercise, it is NOT from the space of; encouraging weight loss (though appreciate the impact of markers such as

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WHEN should I speak to a GP (DOCTOR)?

As a pharmacist, we are often referring patients to see a GP, so I thought it was a GREAT opportunity to break down; -when to see a GP -when to visit the emergency room (ER) -when to call 000 I am very passionate about enhancing health literacy, and this is an example of something that

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Should I get a blood test if I have post-natal depression?

Whilst it is not my place to demand anything from your doctor or health care team, however, I do feel like ascertaining baseline blood work is a great and important part in; + identifying other possible underlying health conditions + underlying deficiencies or + underlying imbalances that may be corrected, in order to help you

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WHEN should I speak with a pharmacist and doctor?

Here in Australia we are so blessed with timely and quite vast access to health professionals (and my wish for the entire globe!) This hopefully means that seeking advice and treatment is available, provided that we know when we should see somebody and knowing exactly what they can offer! As a pharmacist that has worked

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