- According to the WHO, it is estimated that one in eight people on the planet suffers from a mental disorder.
- The most common are anxiety and depression and both increased during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Similar Pharmacies emerged in 1997 as a model for the sale of low-cost generic drugs and later added physician offices.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, although it is often ignored. Sometimes it is due to a lack of confidence to ask for help and other times because there is not enough free time. With this in mind, Similar pharmacies unveiled a new modality of service with which it seeks to offer support to all people.
Will mental health problems cause the next pandemic?
First of all, it is necessary to know the current panorama. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in eight people on the planet suffers from a mental disorder. Due to the magnitude of the problem and the entire population it affects, it has indicated that it could become the next pandemic.
Among the most common ailments are anxiety and depressive disorders. In addition, since 2020 they have increased considerably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial estimates show an increase of 26% and 28%, respectively.
Although effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Furthermore, many experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.
For his part, in 2019 it was estimated that there were around 301 million people with anxiety, including 58 million children and adolescents. Among the main symptoms are fear and excessive worry.
There are also several different types: generalized anxiety disorder (characterized by excessive worry), panic disorder (characterized by panic attacks), social anxiety disorder (excessive fear and worry in social situations), anxiety disorder separation (which is the excessive fear or anxiety of separation from those individuals with whom the person has a deep emotional attachment).
Farmacias Similares now focuses on mental health
From the above, the SIMI Center for Emotional Health (SIMISAE) unveiled a new service. This is a 24-hour telephone line operated by staff who offer counseling and psychological support.
@dr.carlosdan1el Free psychologists at @s@simisaemx #medicine #tiktokmedicine #medicosdetiktok
In this regard, there is a very important clarification that must be made. This modality does not replace a professional medical consultation given by a psychologist or psychiatrist, although it can help as support or as the first means of contact.
Similarly, this format driven by Similar Pharmaciess is useful for people who, due to fear, do not want to see a specialist in person. Through a call it is easier for the patient to explain her situation and be heard by someone before trying to commit irreparable actions.
PAHO Decalogue to protect mental health
- Elevate mental health at the national and supranational level.
- Integrate mental health into all policies.
- Increase the quantity and improve the quality of funding for mental health.
- Guarantee the human rights of people with mental health problems.
- Promote and protect mental health throughout life.
- Improve and expand mental health services and care at the community level.
- Strengthen suicide prevention.
- Take a transformative approach to gender issues in favor of mental health.
- Address racism and racial discrimination as important determinants of mental health.
- Improve data and research on mental health.
Also read:
Main causes of anger of patients who go to Similar Pharmacies
Main stigmas about mental health that exist in Mexico
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