Are You Feeling Fine Online? How Online Connection, Communication and Support Can Influence Wellbeing

Description  In this mini episode of A Dose of Wellbeing, Danielle Hunt is joined by Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager, Melissa Cochrane, to explore how being online can influence our wellbeing.  Together they consider the benefits and drawbacks of social media, messaging apps, online communities and digital communication at work. They discuss practical ways to protect wellbeing online, including managing notifications and screen time, checking information carefully, setting boundaries around work messages and assuming best intentions when tone is unclear.  The conversation also looks at wellbeing apps, online therapy and the growing use of AI for support, including the importance of evidence, safeguards and knowing when professional help is needed. For pharmacy professionals, students and trainees, the episode also highlights the need to maintain professional standards online.  Guest bio  Danielle Hunt is Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support. With extensive charity sector experience, she joined the charity in January 2019 and has led the development and implementation of a wellbeing-focused strategy to ensure Pharmacist Support continues to meet the changing needs of the profession.  Melissa Cochrane is Pharmacist Support’s Senior Wellbeing Development Manager. She oversees the charity’s wellbeing offering and volunteer programmes, including the counselling partnership and online Wellbeing Learning Platform. Melissa has an extensive background as a counsellor and psychotherapist and a keen interest in simple, evidence-informed practices that can enhance physical and mental health.  Podcast sponsorship  No sponsor.  Resources and references  Pharmacist Support  To find out more about support services, please visit our website: https://pharmacistsupport.org/how-we-can-help/  Wellbeing Learning Platform: https://pharmacistsupport.clcmoodle.org/local/roadmaplogin/login.php  Our wellbeing campaigns: https://pharmacistsupport.org/get-involved/our-wellbeing-campaigns/  External  MHRA guidance for people using mental health apps and technologies: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-issues-new-guidance-for-people-using-mental-health-apps-and-technologies  GPhC demonstrating professionalism online guidance: https://assets.pharmacyregulation.org/files/2024-11/Demonstrating-professionalism-online-January-2024.pdf    GPhC and PDA using social media platforms professionally article: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/about-us/news-and-updates/regulate/using-social-media-platforms-professionally  Help us to support more of our pharmacy family Pharmacist Support relies on generous donations to provide our charitable services and support. If you enjoyed our podcast episode today, please consider making a donation so we can continue creating more content to support mental health and wellbeing in pharmacy. Thank you: https://pharmacistsupport.org/support-our-work/donate/ Disclaimer  The content of this podcast is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pharmacist Support.