When Mom Feels Blue, A Pharmacist’s Advice Could Be the Bright Spot!

pharmacist

When Mom Feels Blue, A Pharmacist’s Advice Could Be the Bright Spot!

By Alpro Pharmacy

May 16, 2025

Key Points

Elderly emotional struggles like depression and anxiety are common but often ignored as just part of aging.
Community pharmacists can detect mood-related issues early by reviewing medications, observing behavior, and providing guidance to families.
Pharmacists support emotional well-being through supplement advice, lifestyle tips, and by simply offering a compassionate listening ear.

As I put my glasses down and massaged my eyes from the hours of strain staring at the laptop, all those work figures and stress hovered over my head. I stretched my body and turned to see my 77-year-old mother sitting in the living room. Her eyebrows furrowed, her eyes closed, and her lips were tightly pressed against each other. “Ma, you ok?” And just like that, she started crying. Streams and streams of tears.

Through her tears, my mother recounted how uncertain she feels about growing old, how tired she feels, and how she is unable to be as agile as before. She admitted forgetting to turn off the stove and burning a pot a few days back when I was at work. “I don’t sleep well, I am scared, I forget things, and I am just so tired. Even the normal activities I like doing, now I don’t enjoy them anymore!” I was shocked, I didn’t realise it earlier.

I am sure my mother’s story is no more unique than those of the elderly in our community. It is in fact a common struggle for many elderly to battle ageing mental and emotional health issues such as anxiety, depression and/ irritability. Very often, these concerns are brushed off as “it’s a part and parcel of ageing”, however, the silent struggles do pose detrimental effects for their health. Community pharmacists, being the most accessible healthcare professionals in the neighbourhood, are in excellent position to shed light on these struggles and able to guide the elderly population, and their families, towards better mental and emotional well-being. How?

Mood Disorders and Medications: What’s the Connection?

Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can be a result of different causative factors – loss of a loved one, reduced physical abilities, chronic illness, or even due to the side effects from their chronic medications. Community pharmacists can play a pivotal role in identifying triggers through medication review, behavioural observation, a basic screen tool like the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and finally providing insightful information to family and caregivers.

There are classes of medications that may cause or worsen mood disorders, especially in the elderly.

Medications that may cause or worsen Mood disorders:

Corticosteroids (e.g Prednisolone) can cause sleep disturbances, mood swings, anxiety & depression.
Beta-blockers (e.g Propranolol) are associated with fatigue symptoms in some elderly
Anticholinergics (in many OTC medications) are linked to confusion and mood changes with continued use.
Opiods & Benzodiazepines can cause emotional blunting, dependency and withdrawal-induced mood issues.

Also, mood disorders of an individual will highly affect one’s medication adherence, as there is a lack of motivation or focus. Anxiety itself will further induce excessive worrying resulting in crippling medication adherence.

How we, the Pharmacists, help?

As many elderly patients have multiple chronic conditions, the requirement of various medications is known as polypharmacy. Although polypharmacy is essential to manage chronic health issues, inevitably, that it can unintentionally contribute to mood disturbances. Community pharmacists, the experts in medicines, play a vital role here. Through medication reviews, pharmacists can identify and prevent potential drug interactions, ensure appropriate dosing, and in collaboration with prescribers, deprescribe unnecessary medications.

In addition, community pharmacists are trained to recognise signs (such as increased fatigue, confusion / mood swings) that medications may be causing an impact on emotional well-being. These can be recommended for prescribers to adjust their doses. Another role a community pharmacist can provide is to educate the elderly and their caregivers on proper medication use and how to monitor the emotional side effects. All these not only extensively safeguard the physical health of the elderly, but also contribute significantly to the emotional stability and quality of life for the elderly and their caregivers.

Supplements That Support Emotional Well-being

While prescription medications may be necessary for moderate to severe cases of depression or anxiety, some patients benefit from mood-supporting supplements, especially in the early or mild stages. Community pharmacists can safely recommend evidence-based supplements such as:

Omega-3 fatty acids – Known to support brain health and reduce depressive symptoms.
Vitamin D – deficiency is linked with low mood, particularly in less active, indoor-bound seniors.
B-complex vitamins – Especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12 are crucial for neurotransmitter balance.
Magnesium – Helps with relaxation, sleep, and anxiety management.

Lifestyle Modifications That Make a Difference

Medication alone isn’t the answer. Community pharmacists often counsel patients and families on small yet impactful lifestyle changes, such as:

Establishing routine – Regular sleep, meals, and social activities help stabilise mood.
Encouraging physical activity – Even short daily walks can release endorphins and reduce anxiety.
Promoting social engagement – Joining community clubs or regular family visits can alleviate loneliness.
Mind-body practices – Tai chi, light yoga, and breathing exercises support emotional balance.
Dietary advice – A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean proteins can have mood-stabilising effects.

A Pharmacist’s Ear, A Community’s Heart

Sometimes, the most healing moments come not from a pill bottle, but from a compassionate ear and practical advice. As pharmacists, we are often the first line of support for elderly individuals who may not voice their sadness to family or doctors. Creating a safe space at the pharmacy counter encourages open conversations and timely intervention.

So, when Mom feels blue, let her know she’s not alone—and that a caring pharmacist might just be the bright spot in her day.

ePharmacy 咨询线上药局

If you have any health-related questions, you can consult our healthcare professionals via Alpro E-Pharmacy. Alpro E-Pharmacy is specially designed for those who wish to receive free pharmacist consultations or same-day medication delivery — all without leaving the comfort of your home or hotel. You can even easily send medications to your loved ones! Our pharmacists are always ready to assist you.

If you need further assistance, feel free to use the Alpro E-Pharmacy service or call our hotline at 019-7021923.

Disclaimer: Regardless of the date of the website content, nothing should replace direct medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.