Pharmacists report major increase in post-Covid mental health patients seeking support, drugs

A post-Covid mental health wave sweeping Sydney is putting the city’s pharmacists on the medical front line, with some chemists reporting instances of patients ‘screaming out’ for medication and support.

Surging rates of depression and anxiety are fuelling a spike in the number of Sydneysiders turning to local chemists for mental health support.

Surging rates of depression and anxiety are fuelling a spike in the number of Sydneysiders turning to local chemists for mental health support, with some pharmacies reporting instances of patients ‘screaming out’ for medication and assistance.

The rising cost of seeing a GP coupled with an increasing scarcity of bulk-billing clinics has been attributed to a sharp increase in the number of people fronting up to pharmacists to seek mental advice, support and over-the-counter medication.

Pharmacy groups say the increase has been fuelled by a post-Covid mental health wave that has seen rates of depression and anxiety increased globally by about 25 per cent.

National research by the University of Western Australia found pharmacists are now being regularly sought for advice and mental health support.

Balmain pharmacy owner Caroline Diamantis.

Pharmacies are increasingly being turned on for support.

Pharmaceutical society of Australia national vice president Caroline Diamantis, who runs Balmain Community Pharmacy, said rising mental health rates have been compounded by cost of living pressures.

“Since the pandemic people in general have become more anxious and worried and my days are more and more being spent calming people and making them feel relaxed and assured,” she said.

“Because there are fewer bulk billing practices in Sydney a lot of people can’t afford to see a doctor or a specialist so we have people flocking through the doors.

“They’re often frustrated and screaming at you because they can’t get certain medicines without a script.”

Pharmacist Connie Arronis.

Connie Arronis, pharmacist manager at Illawong Discount Drug Store, said pharmacists are often seen as a low cost and accessible alternative to medical practices.

“Often we’re someone to talk to particularly for people who are socially isolated and are looking for support and options,” she said.

“Since Covid we’re still seeing lasting impacts of isolation, changes in work practices with less face-to-face interaction and now cost of living and financial uncertainty which is all taken a toll on people’s mental health.”

Chemistworks Edmondson Park manager Martina Yousif said while pharmacists are equipped with mental health training, there are limitations associated with dispensing medication.

“We do the best we can with over the counter medications but we can’t prescribe something new or change dosages,” she said.

“They still need to access their GPs in the first instance who can also develop mental health plans with patients.“

Australian Psychological Society president Catriona Davis-McCabe.

Australian Psychological Society president Dr Catriona Davis-McCabe said rising healthcare costs and a shortage of Medicare-subsided psychology sessions was placing strain on the mental health system.

“There are too few psychologists to meet demand and when patients are lucky enough to get a psychologist they often have gap fees of $100 or more,” she said.

“This has created a mass of untreated or undertreated people who are resorting to pharmacies or self-medicating to try and get by.

“Pharmacies have an important role to play in mental health but they shouldn’t be the first port of call. The government needs to invest in more accessible and affordable psychology services.”

Pharmacist Nick Logan.

Australian Association of Psychologists executive director Tegan Carrison said pharmacists are increasingly becoming ‘mental health first responders’ who can escalate diagnoses and treatments to specialists such as psychologists.

The NSW Primary Mental Health Network – which supports the delivery of healthcare across the state – says common barriers for people seeking specialised mental healthcare including long waiting periods, eligibility requirements, or high out of pocket costs.

The PHN said “as a result, some people do not seek care or seek assistance”.

Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said GPs are the “best equipped in the first instance to ensure people suffering from mental health issues get the support they need”.

Artarmon pharmacy owner Nick Logan said the increase in people turning to pharmacists for mental health support could be attributed to increased mental health awareness

“In the past, mental health was often kept a secret but it’s become less stigmatised and more people have accepted mental illness is an illness just like cardiovascular disease.”

“There’s also a push by the government for people to go to pharmacists before going to emergency departments. Pharmacists are increasingly being seen as health destinations.”