Hello! My name is Vivien, and I am the lead technician at Oswald’s Pharmacy. I am stepping in for this month’s Ozzigram to discuss a topic that is near and dear to my heart, Mental Health. We all face challenging experiences and stressors throughout our lives that impact both our mental and physical health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 people experience mental health troubles in their lifetime, but these troubles or issues are often left undiscussed and unresolved. As September is suicide awareness month, I thought it would be a good idea to share some resources that are available and coping strategies that you can use if you are feeling stressed or have other experiences that are affecting your mental health.

At Oswald’s, we are here to not only support your physical health but also your mental health (they go hand in hand). There are several things you can do that are beneficial to both mental and physical health. Getting enough sleep is crucial to allowing your body to recover from stressful days and experiences. Eating a well-balanced diet will allow you to fuel your body and replenish nutrients that support hormone and neurotransmitter production. These hormones and neurotransmitters play a large role in how your brain and body respond to stressors. Lastly, regular exercise can increase endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Getting regular exercise can be challenging as you try to fit it into your already busy schedule, but taking a 10-minute evening walk or swapping your tv time for a 20-minute yoga session could have a larger impact than it seems. The hardest part is getting started but the impact is worth it!

Finally, I want to provide resources that can be life-changing and even lifesaving.

You can text or call “988” if you are experiencing a crisis, and they provide 24/7 confidential support to de-escalate crises and offer help. If you are not experiencing a crisis but still need help, you can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or texting NAMI to 6240. Always feel welcome to reach out to your primary care provider who can connect you with trusted therapists, social workers, or psychologists. And your pharmacists and pharmacy staff at Oswald’s are always available to answer questions and find resources to best support your mental health needs!