Week 29: Social support and Stigma

This week we looked at the evidence supporting the benefit of social support and there is an overwhelming amount of evidence to social support. Relating to the talk given by the Psychiatry Pharmacist from clinical unit, I have been reflecting upon the ‘bucket model of stress- vulnerability’ by Brabben and Turkington. They described the bucket as the mental health state of anyone with a baseline amount of vulnerability by genetic and developmental factors that could predispose the individual to a higher baseline. Stressors can be added (e.g. financial difficulties) and managed in order to reduce the level in the bucket. When the bucket overflows it signifies the person is having an acute mental crisis. Social support can definitely form a part of the management of the stressors.

I felt from my experience that healthcare professionals are very much focused on the informational support, but do we accommodate the emotional needs of the patient other than the pharmacological interventions? We should also provide esteem support. I witnessed the effect this has on Rachel the pharmacist in my summer placement. Having spoken to some of the patients they all said she was a ‘good’ pharmacist because she was always very cheerful, showed her genuine interests to patients and acted on them effectively. Patients were honest with her when they did not adhere to their medications e.g. a gentleman came in and enquired about a tablet cutter because his dexterity had been reduced recently. Rachel immediately acknowledged and emphasised with him, then ordered some tablet cutters for him in the afternoon delivery. I look up to her example and am hopeful that to become a pharmacist who always cares for my patients emotionally. Perhaps the best quote I remember from her was ‘Would you treat your patients as you treat your grandparents?’