How common are mental health problems?
The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recent mental health statistics show that:
- 301 million people struggle with anxiety disorders, and 58 million of them are children and adolescents
- More than 280 million people worldwide face depression, including 23 million young people
- 300 million people suffer from Depression, with women being the most affected
- Only 36.9% of people with Anxiety Disorders ask for help, making it largely undertreated
- 24 million people around the world live with Schizophrenia
- Substance Use Disorder affects millions globally and often co-occurs with other mental health issues.
There are many ways to get involved this World Mental Health Day.
Complete the PDA Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey
Today, the PDA is urging all pharmacists and trainees to complete a Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey that will help gauge the overall wellbeing of pharmacists across the UK and identify what support is required.
Since 2017, each year, the PDA donates £1 per member to Pharmacist Support, the profession’s charity. These donations now exceed £300k.
As well as supporting the charity financially, the PDA works with Pharmacist Support to help pharmacists strengthen their working relationships with colleagues and managers. This gives pharmacists the opportunity to talk about their mental health openly, whilst ensuring they are aware of the support that is available to them if they are struggling.
This partnership also includes mental wellbeing workshops to help pharmacists manage workplace stress. There are also workshops for pharmacy students that highlight practical tips on how to manage stress during the exam period.
To further support the wellbeing of pharmacists, earlier this year, the PDA launched a 5-year Workforce Wellbeing Strategy. The initiative provides pharmacists with access to wellbeing resources, peer support networks, mental health training, financial resilience guidance, and engagement activities designed to strengthen the workforce. The PDA’s approach is responsive and aims to address findings as they arise and tackle obstacles with proactive solutions.
The Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey will help the PDA to identify the more immediate obstacles that need to be prioritised. Pharmacists and trainees have until 12 October to complete the survey. Please note that this survey is not exclusively for PDA members.
Get involved in the Walk for Wellbeing campaign
The PDA is working in partnership with Pharmacist Support on their brand-new Walk for Wellbeing campaign – tackling loneliness in pharmacy one step at a time. The campaign kicked off earlier this week with a PDA and Pharmacist Support joint staff walk in Birmingham. #WalkForWellbeing
The nationwide initiative invites pharmacy professionals, students, colleagues, friends, and families to come together, get active, and raise vital funds for Pharmacist Support’s free, confidential services.
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive at Pharmacist Support, said: “The campaign is a great opportunity to step away from your busy routines, connect with one another, and look after your wellbeing. Getting outside, even for a short walk can boost our wellbeing. It’s proven that nature has a profound effect on our mental wellbeing, and walking in green spaces has been linked to reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as improving mood regulation. So, I encourage you to get your walking shoes on and get involved!”
Set up your own Walk for Wellbeing
Pharmacists can get involved by setting up their own Walk for Wellbeing in their local area — it could be a short stroll with colleagues, a family walk in the park, or a bigger group challenge. Every step counts towards helping the profession feel more connected.
Find out more and get involved today
Support the joint PDA and Pharmacist Support walk
There is still time to support the PDA and Pharmacist Support joint walk that took place on Tuesday (7 October). Donation can be made here. Contribution will help fund counselling, peer support, and financial assistance services that so many colleagues rely on.
Loneliness and isolation affect too many in our profession. By walking together — and supporting this campaign — we can show that no one in our pharmacy family has to face tough times alone.
Get involved this World Mental Health Day!
- Complete the PDA Workplace Wellbeing & Culture Survey by 12 October
- Organise a walk for wellbeing today
- Support the joint PDA and Pharmacist Support walk
- Use hashtag #WalkForWellbeing to promote the Walk for Wellbeing campaign on social media.
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.