Introduction
In
today's pharmacy setting, we are finding the dispensing of a
greater diversity of medications for specific disease states.
With advanced technologies and introduction of new classification
of drugs, the Pharmacy has become a blessing for those in need.
Among
new medications to hit the market in recent years are medications
used in the treatment of Clinical Depression. Clinical Depression
is one of the most common and most serious mental health issues
facing individuals today. It is to be hoped that this CE offering
will enlighten you as a Pharmacy Technician and give a better
understanding and empathy of individuals with Clinical Depression.
Moods
In
most situations, an individual's outlook on life is based on
one's mood. Mood is a sustained emotional feeling that allows
us a perception of our surroundings and in doing so, brings
us sadness and joy as part of our everyday lives. When we talk
about "moods," we are not just talking about emotional
feelings. Positive moods are more than just "happy"
or "good" feelings -- they tend to be accompanied
by feelings of physical comfort, a sense of contentment with
our lives, and more energy. Similarly, negative moods are more
than just sad or angry feelings -- they tend to be accompanied
by feelings of physical discomfort, lack of energy and other
physical complaints.
Normal
moods or feelings are as follows:
-
Joy or elation is a universal human response generally linked
to success and achievement. This event allows an individual
to be happy and content.
-Sadness
or normal depression is a universal human response to disappointment,
or other situation. Sadness can also be transient periods associated
with certain events such as holidays and anniversary's.
-Grief
is a universal human response due to a significant loss, as
a death of a loved one, separation, and disappointment. Grief
can also be seen during times of catastrophes such as the World
Trade Center terrorist attack. In most cases, individuals will
go through a grief cycle before finding resolution.
Unfortunately,
individuals do not go through the grief cycle in a neat, step-by-step
fashion. Rather, they move back and forth between the various
phases. The important thing is to recognize the stages of the
grief process as normal and to be prepared for what each stage
has in store. The danger lies in "getting stuck" in
any one phase, especially the anger or depression phases.
The
Grief Cycle
Denial
In
this stage, individuals are numb and often deny that a change
has even occurred. They blame others and do not recognize the
need to make decisions.
Anger
So
much energy is placed in negative emotions at this stage that
there is no energy to make critical decisions. This is an important
part of the grief process, but how the negative emotions are
played out should be watched carefully.
Depression
At
this stage, individuals experience an overwhelming sense of
"the blues" and a lack of energy. Because of the energy
spent in negative emotion in the previous stage, there is no
energy at this time to make decisions for themselves. This is
a stage where individuals need the help of family and friends.
Bargaining
Individuals
are more open to exploring alternatives. At this time they need
to gather information and consider options. Frequently, individuals
feel a need to tell their story in order to make sense of what
has occurred. A good listener can be critical.
Acceptance
Entering
the acceptance stage doesn't mean individuals necessarily like
the change, but rather they are beginning to accept that it
has happened and are willing to work it into their lives. At
this time, they feel empowered and in control of their life,
but things will never be the same. Change has occurred.
