Stress management

Work-related stress elicits a variety of physiological, emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses resulting from the demands of job content, organisation and environment. Pharmacy professionals often experience tension, distress and feelings of being overwhelmed as a result of such stressors. Given the negative impact of stress on health, safety and productivity, proactive stress management is essential for pharmacy teams. At this event, we explored tailored stress management techniques that enhance the well-being of professionals and their ability to provide optimal patient care. By prioritising mental health, pharmacy teams can promote resilience and a thriving working environment.

Stress is defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological tension, and it has been dubbed as “the health epidemic of the 21st century” by the World Health Organization. Stress is the body’s response to any situation that requires attention or action, and everybody experiences some level of stress. However, high levels of stress may lead to various physical, mental, and emotional symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, sleep disorders, irritability, increased heart rate, and difficulty in breathing. Chronic stress is also a risk factor for the development or exacerbations of non-communicable diseases. Pharmacists have an important role in helping people prevent and manage stress though pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Moderator:
– Filipa Alves da Costa, Assistant Professor Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon – Portugal

Panellists:
– Carole Spiers, Chair International Stress Management Association – UK
– Hahn, Martina, Clinical pharmacist University hospital Frankfurt and Department of mental health, varisano hospital Frankfurt Hoechst – Germany
– Ricardo Cintra, Clinical Phycologist Farmácia Moreira Barata, Lda – Portugal