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Firstly, it’s important to recognise who is the most appropriate person to help your
colleague. This may be you, or it may be their line manager, human resources or
a close friend/colleague. If it isn’t you, you could then approach the best person
and, in a way which is respectful to the colleague you’re concerned about, let them
know about your concerns. If you are the most appropriate person to deal with and
support a colleague, there are steps you can take to offer meaningful support:
1. Open up a dialogue in an appropriate and private setting, ensuring your
colleague feels comfortable and safe
2. Avoid making assumptions and asking direct questions about their mental
health. Something like ‘I noticed you seem more tired than usual recently, would
you like to talk about it?’, can help to get the conversation started
3. Don’t push if they don’t want to talk. You can always let them know you’re
available and ready to support them whenever they need
4. Be prepared for a reaction you weren’t expecting. Some people may become
defensive or even angry when asked about their mental health. If this happens,
stay calm and respond in a way which demonstrates your genuine care, such
as ‘I’m sorry I upset you, I just want you to know that I’m here for you if you ever
need me.’

5. If your colleague decides to open up to you, it’s important that you let them
explain their struggles in their own words

6. If they tell you what type of support they need, and you are able to offer it,
ensure you follow through

7. You may also want to consider other means of support, such as a reduction
in workload, or long-term support through HR, Pharmacist Support or other
providers.
This guidance is an extract from the ‘Supporting colleagues through challenging
times’ webpage on the Pharmacist Support website. You and your pharmacy team
can access this, and an extensive selection of free mental health and wellbeing
resources by visiting www.pharmacistsupport.org.
Exclusive training course discount to help you fully support
your pharmacy team!

Pharmacist Support, runs an online course for pharmacy managers, supervisors
and leaders who are looking to make practical and positive changes to the
workplace and better manage and support employees. The award-winning course,
called Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture, covers key topics such as
understanding mental health and wellbeing, the role of the manager in creating a
positive workplace culture and communication tools to support team wellbeing.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, Numark is pleased to secure an
exclusive 20% discount for all our members who would like to boost their CPD and
mental health management skills through the course. Scan the QR code to access
the time-limited discount now!

Who is Pharmacist Support?
Pharmacist Support is a well-established and trusted charity supporting
pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainee pharmacists and
pharmacy students. They provide a wide variety of free and confidential
support services, including Information and Enquiries, Specialist Advice,
Financial Assistance, Addiction Support, Counselling and Peer Support and
the Wardley Wellbeing Service, as well as hosting a wide range of free mental
health and wellbeing information, guidance and resources on their website which
is free for all the pharmacy team to access. Please visit pharmacistsupport.org to
see how the charity can support you and your pharmacy team.

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