You can’t turn on the news without hearing coverage about the mental health crisis in America right now. Stories surrounding actors and actresses, as well as athletes, reality stars, and everyone in between, consume a ton of air time. Toss today’s societal pressures with a recent national lockdown, and you have a recipe for droves of regular people seeking mental health assistance. Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, realizes this is a critical topic among the population.
Friends and family may randomly talk throughout the day about feeling anxious, stressed, or many other feelings. Sometimes all it takes is to vent and move on. Other times it’s not that simple. People are complicated beings, and mental health issues tangle those complex webs even further. We may not even know ourselves that we need help. May is National Mental Health Month, and there’s no better time than now to take a step back and evaluate if you, or someone you care about, needs help.
How Do I Know if I Need Help?
With a bit of self-reflection and analysis, you can try to determine if you need to seek professional assistance. If you discover that you do, Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, will be in your corner to help.
First, ask yourself if you’ve had mild symptoms that have lasted for less than two weeks. Is it possible that you are just feeling a little down? (Maybe your friends found themselves too caught up in life and forgot to call you last week)? Are you having some trouble sleeping? (Maybe your fidgety dog won’t lay still next to you, and he keeps waking you up, and you can’t fall back asleep)? Are you still able to function at work, even if a little irritated that Fido can’t stop chasing cats in his dreams?
If what you’re experiencing is mild and not disrupting your life, you may be able to try some self-care techniques.
- Exercise itself can work wonders for boosting your mood.
- Also, joining in with others during social events can remove a feeling of isolation. (If you’re not comfortable in person yet, technology can be your best friend. Set something up virtually! Here’s a great ice-breaker if you’re stuck going the virtual route - Jackbox Games).
- Establishing a good diet can help you from the inside out.
- Practice meditation and mindfulness.
- Visit Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, and we can make some over-the-counter suggestions to support you.
What if my symptoms haven’t subsided in two weeks, or they’re more severe? If the above scenarios are dragging on, it won’t hurt to turn to the professionals for help.
If you’re wondering what’s considered more severe, some examples include –
- Difficulty sleeping (and we’re not just talking about your insomniac dog at this point)
- You struggle to force yourself out of bed in the morning because you’re in a constantly terrible mood.
- Losing interest in things you once loved and enjoyed. Is the trip to the library or the local restaurant no longer leaving you fulfilled?
- Problems concentrating.
- Inability to perform typical daily tasks.
- Thoughts of hurting yourself.
What are Some Forms of Help?
If you decide you need to talk to someone, you may journey down several paths depending on your situation. You’ll likely be engaging in psychotherapy (talk therapy), and it may be virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of both. Your doctor or therapist will determine the frequency. Your doctor may prescribe you a medication to assist your mental health journey. At Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, our experienced pharmacists are ready to consult with you to make sure you fully understand any medication prescribed to you.
Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, can also discuss our pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil and how it can assist with anxiety and other ailments.
I Need Help. What Do I Do?
A quick internet search will display pages of results and resources to help you. If you don’t know where to start, the National Institute of Mental Health site lists information and provides you with a starting point of what you can do to get help. Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, is always available to consult with you and assist you on your journey.
Breaking the negative stigma of mental health has been long in the making. Thanks to recent celebrities like Serena Williams, Shawn Mendes, and Selena Gomez, we’re starting to break the confines of old stereotypes. By reflecting on your mental health, especially following a worldwide pandemic that caused seemingly endless lockdowns, you can be proactive in your mental health. Vaughn Pharmacy, your local pharmacy in Knoxville, TN, will stand by you and assist in any way we can.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581