With depression on the up, it’s important to know how to help people when they are down

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION estimates that depression will be the highest ranking cause of disease burden in developed countries by 2020.

Within our pharmacies we talk to people living with depression on a day-to-day basis. Some may know they are depressed; a lot do not. Many people with a chronic physical health problem such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or ischaemic heart disease also have depressive illness. Depression creates an added burden in addition to that caused by the physical illness.

Do you feel confident to support people with depression or symptoms of low mood, and others around them? Do you need more information to know where to signpost people to?

Depression is an illness that is not always easy to define, describe or identify. Almost 40 per cent of people who meet the criteria for major depression do not go to the doctor. The cost to the individual and to society of untreated or inadequately treated depression is enormous. Effective treatment relieves human suffering but also restores function, reduces disability and lowers costs.

The burden imposed on family, carers and society as a whole is reduced if depression is recognised early and treated promptly and effectively.

Build your knowledge

CPPE has developed a new focal point learning programme on depression. The aim of the programme is to build your knowledge of the management of people with depression by:

• Increasing your understanding of the condition

• Helping you to understand the impact that depression has on patients and those around them

• Discussing the range of approaches that are used to manage depression, looking at the pharmacological and psychological evidence-based recommendations

• Applying a ‘whole pharmacy team’ approach to supporting the healthy lifestyle messages for people living with depression

The programme comprises two parts:

• In the first part you can assess your learning needs and complete the background reading

• The second part involves attending a focal point workshop to apply this knowledge by working through a complex case study and clinical vignettes with your colleagues.

To find out more and to access this learning programme, visit the CPPE website at: www.cppe.ac.uk.