Description

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by specialist addictions therapist and Pharmacist Support addiction support counsellor Paul Sunderland for an open and thoughtful conversation about men’s mental health.

We explore some of the experiences and pressures that can affect men’s wellbeing, why asking for help can feel difficult, and how distress may show up in different ways. We discuss the risk of stereotypes, the links between mental health and addiction, and how shame, self-reliance, social comparison, belonging and financial pressures can affect men’s mental health.

The conversation offers practical guidance on recognising possible signs of addiction, approaching someone you are concerned about and helping people feel safer seeking support. We also consider how workplaces can normalise honest conversations about wellbeing and create regular opportunities for people to talk about how they are feeling.

Guest bio

Paul Sunderland is a specialist addictions therapist and Pharmacist Support’s addiction support counsellor. Through this role, he supports pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees affected by addiction, as well as people who are worried about someone close to them. His work gives him valuable insight into the links between mental health, addiction, professional pressure and the challenges people can face when reaching out for support.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about support services, including counselling, peer support and addiction support, please visit: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Additional mental health and wellbeing support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/additional-mental-health-support/

Men and mental health: http://pharmacistsupport.org/news/men-and-mental-health/

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Description

In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, Danielle Hunt is joined by Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa Cochrane, to explore how being online can influence our wellbeing.

Together they consider the benefits and drawbacks of social media, messaging apps, online communities and digital communication at work. They discuss practical ways to protect wellbeing online, including managing notifications and screen time, checking information carefully, setting boundaries around work messages and assuming best intentions when tone is unclear.

The conversation also looks at wellbeing apps, online therapy and the growing use of AI for support, including the importance of evidence, safeguards and knowing when professional help is needed. For pharmacy professionals, students and trainees, the episode also highlights the need to maintain professional standards online.

Guest bio

Danielle Hunt is Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support. With extensive charity sector experience, she joined the charity in January 2019 and has led the development and implementation of a wellbeing-focused strategy to ensure Pharmacist Support continues to meet the changing needs of the profession.

Melissa Cochrane is Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager. She oversees the charity’s wellbeing offering and volunteer programmes, including the counselling partnership and online Wellbeing Learning Platform. Melissa has an extensive background as a counsellor and psychotherapist and a keen interest in simple, evidence-informed practices that can enhance physical and mental health.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Wellbeing Learning Platform: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php

Our wellbeing campaigns: https://pharmacistsupport.org/get-involved/our-wellbeing-campaigns/

External

MHRA guidance for people using mental health apps and technologies: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-guidance-for-people-using-mental-health-apps-and-technologies

GPhC demonstrating professionalism online guidance: https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-11/Demonstrating-professionalism-online-January-2024.pdf

GPhC and PDA using social media platforms professionally article: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/about-us/news-and-updates/regulate/using-social-media-platforms-professionally

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.

Description

In this episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, we’re joined by Dr Kirstie Pickles for an honest and practical conversation about how workplaces can better understand and support neurodivergent colleagues. Kirstie reflects on her experiences of autism and ADHD, her career journey and what changed after receiving a diagnosis as an adult.

We explore communication, masking, workplace misunderstandings and the impact these can have on mental health and working relationships. Kirstie also shares examples of helpful reasonable adjustments, explains how managers can work with individuals to identify what they need, and considers how supportive team cultures can help people thrive.

Whether you are neurodivergent, think you may be, manage a team or want to become a more understanding colleague, this episode offers thoughtful insight and practical ideas for creating more inclusive workplaces.

Guest bio

Dr Kirstie Pickles is a vet and equine medicines specialist with decades of professional experience. Drawing on her lived experience of autism and ADHD, she works as a mental health first aid instructor, coach and advocate. Kirstie delivers the Anna Freud National Autism Trainer Programme and leads Unedited Minds, which focuses on mental health and neurodiversity training, advocacy and research.

Podcast sponsorship

No sponsor.

Resources and references

Pharmacist Support

To find out more about support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/

Disability at work and university, including reasonable adjustments: https://pharmacistsupport.org/i-need-help-managing-my/physical-health/disability-at-work-and-university/

Support for organisations and employers: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-for-organisations-and-employers/

Additional mental health and wellbeing support including neurodivergent support: https://pharmacistsupport.org/additional-mental-health-support/

External

National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP): https://www.annafreud.org/training/health-and-social-care/national-autism-trainer-programme/

Help us to support more of our pharmacy family

Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.