JournalWinter2018NEW

Rx Plus News

Dear Reader,
Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person understands his or her own abilities,
can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can make
contributions to his or her community. In this special edition of The Rx Plus News, we explore various
topics that affect our mental health. In this edition we cover topics such as grief, anxiety, Seasonal
Affective Disorder, and psychological as well as physical fitness. With an estimated 350 million
people worldwide who suffer from depression, it is a leading cause of disability, as stated by
the World Health Organization. We dedicate the centerfold of this winter 2018 edition to depression;
to those who suffer alone and to those who have had the courage to find support. I hope these
articles inspire you toward a positive step in the direction of self-love and self-care in 2018.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elisa R. Valenti
Dr. Elisa Valenti, Director of Pharmacy
On every cover of the Rx Plus News Journal, we are proud to feature members of the Rx Plus
Pharmacy staff and this edition is no different. We like to highlight the loyal and hard
working people that make Rx Plus Pharmacy a success and this season they are:
Mishela Margan, Pharmacy Technician with puppy Luigi
Sitting in the chair is Monica Santiago, Customer Care Representative
Standing to the right is KelliAnn Foss, Retail Assistant Manager
Seated on the ground is Priscella Ortiz, Delivery Department Associate
Brian Foss, Pharm.D. Samantha Lanigan, Pharm.D. Christina Fiorello, Pharm.D. Arnold Barakayev, Pharm.D. Lauren DeMaio, Pharm.D.
Please visit our website at
www.RxPlusPharmacy.net/journal
to read past editions of our journal,
which have discussed topics
such as men’s health, skin cancer
awareness, animal cruelty and
more.
Find us on the Internet & Social Media!
www.RxPlusPharmacy.net
Photography by Lena Messana Photography and Journal Layout & Design by Daniela Amato

By Christian Mendoza, CEO Legacy Fitness ● MendozaFitness@gmail.com
In today’s day, many factors play a role in the health
and fitness of our mind and body. The human brain is complex.
How our minds perceive stress will inevitably affect our
emotional state. It is how we deal with those emotions that
determine the outcome of the interaction between mind
and body. Through imagine technologies, scientists
have demonstrated how thoughts and emotions
cause stimulation to certain parts of the brain. The
signals, when activated, cause a chemical reaction
throughout the body, displaying the relevance of
the mind-body connection.
Many mysteries of the brain await discovery
but the reality of mind-body connection is irrefutable.
Stress triggers various emotions like anger,
grief, anxiety, depression, and joy. They start in our
mind and transcend into our physical body by way
of aches, pains, elevated blood pressure, hair loss,
weight loss or gain. Long-term exposure to negative
stress contributes to long-term disease.
Meeting project deadlines, relationship dilemmas
or professional situations are mental
stress factors we experience every day. Even positive
events like the birth of a child or the planning
of a wedding can trigger emotions such as fear or anxiety.
The good news is we can control the emotions that
challenge our mental well being. Prior to them manifesting
into physical ailments or illness, you can address those challenges
or worries. Many people use over-the-counter and
prescription medications to improve
quality of life. Fitness is a non
-medicinal remedy recognized
worldwide and it is shown to positively
influence mental health. Yoga,
Pilates and meditation practices,
applied by various cultures, calm
our minds and improve our quality
of life.
With years of coaching people,
through times of physical and
emotional stress, I have found the
combination of strength training
coupled with cardiovascular activity is a successful approach.
Exercise has been linked to the release of positive endorphin
also known as feel-good-hormones. When challenged,
through physical activity, our bodies stimulate a positive
chemical reaction controlling high levels of cortisol. Cortisol
is a stress hormone released by the adrenal gland during
times of stress. In survival mode, cortisol helps to maintain
fluid balance and blood pressure. It also regulates reproductive
drive, immunity, digestion, and growth. When cortisol is
chronically high in the bloodstream, it can suppress the immune
system, increase blood pressure, increase glucose
levels, decrease libido, produce acne, contribute
to obesity and more. Regular exercise tends to decrease
cortisol levels, leading to a reduction in symptoms
of stress.
The Journal of Allied Health & Sciences &
Practice reports that aerobic exercise seems to have
the greatest effect in reducing cortisol levels. Common
forms of aerobic exercise include riding a bike,
going for a brisk walk, skating, running, jumping rope
and stair climbing. While just 20-30 minutes of aerobic
exercise can help to reduce cortisol levels the
American Heart Association recommends one hour
of aerobic exercise daily. The
average American only walks
about half of the recommended
daily amount of
10,000 steps per day.
Try different physical
activities until you find the
one that resonates with you
and you can implement into
your everyday life.
The subject of mental health
and its relevance to fitness is well
researched. The benefits of exercise
to mental and physical health are
acknowledged worldwide. Fitness is
subjective.
Try
different
physical activities
until
you find the
one that resonates
with
you and you
can implement
into
your everyday
life. It
only works if
you enjoy it and are willing to do it.
Increased physical fitness will improve
not only your physical being
but make those seemingly impossible
moments in life, easier to cope
with.
Inside this Issue:
The Effect of Acne on
Mental Health……...4
What are Scars and
How Can We Treat
Them?.......................5
Grief vs.
Depression…………...6
8 Symptoms You
Didn’t Know Were
Caused By
Depression…….……..7
Depression
Medication Management……….…………….8
My Life With
Anxiety….……………….9
Start 2018 with Self-
Care………..……………..9
What is Seasonal
Affective
Disorder.……………..10
Coping with Loss….11
Connect to Rx
Plus……………………..12
What’s New in the Rx
Plus Gift Shoppe?...12

Acne is one of the most common diseases worldwide.
Most people experience acne during adolescence.
Adolescence is a time of very important physical, emotional
and social development. Facial acne has a very big impact
on emotions by causing adolescents to have negative
feelings of self image that can lead to isolation and loneliness.
In addition to the physical effects such as permanent
scarring and disfigurement, acne has a long-lasting emotional
effects that can affect the patient’s quality of life. Anxiety, depression,
isolation and suicidal ideas are frequently seen in
patients with acne and they should not be neglected in the
therapy of acne patients. Research evidence suggests that
these negative effects on the quality of life can be removed
with appropriate acne treatment.
The quality of life of acne patients has been compared
to that reported by patients with chronic diseases such
as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain or arthritis. No matter
what the degree of the severity, patients with acne are at
an increased risk of anxiety and depression compared to the
non-affected population. Acne is considered a chronic disease
owing to its prolonged course, pattern of recurrence and
relapse. One study found that severe
acne was also associated with ADD/
ADHD and insomnia. Acne is a disease
that affects an individual not
only physically but also mentally and
can leave a great impact on their
quality of life. Therefore, treating acne
has a beneficial effect on mental
health.
One study looked at bullying
and teasing of patients with skin conditions
including acne and found
their negative effects on self esteem
and self identity. Another study found that adolescents with
acne feel uncomfortable, avoid eye contact and often attempt
to disguise their lesions with their hair or cosmetics. Severe
acne affects patients work situations as well and their ability
to obtain employment. A greater impact on quality of life is
associated with older age, female gender and longer acne
duration. The way in which patients see their skin when it is
seen by others has a big effect on the patient’s selfperception
and may act as a barrier that prevents the patient
Anxiety, depression,
isolation and suicidal ideas
are frequently seen in
patients with acne and they
should not be neglected in
the therapy of acne patients.
Dr. Antwan Haskoor, MD FAAP
95-25 Queens Boulevard 1ST Floor
Rego Park, NY 11374
Tel: (718) 497-6711
Fax: (718) 418-8248
from participating in public
sports and exercise. It is
important to identify and
treat affected teenagers at
an early stage in order to
alleviate individual impairment
of quality of life and,
as a result, reduce future
socio-economic burdens of
their acne. The more severe
the skin condition is,
the greater its impact will be
on the patient’s
life. Surveys have indicated
that quality of life does not
correlate with the physician’s
assessment of acne severity. Even in mild form, acne
has a detrimental and psychological effect on patients.
One female, teenager in my practice who has mild
acne was placed on the most powerful treatment (Accutane)
by a Dermatologist because acne was affecting her self esteem
and hindering her social life, causing
her to seek out the most aggressive
treatment. Some of my patients with
acne and other skin diseases such as
eczema or psoriasis have expressed to
me how other kids look at them and
treat them as if they were contagious
which is totally false yet very damaging
to one’s self esteem.
In my practice, I usually offer
help for acne during routine physical
exams and most patients are very
grateful and happy that I approached
the subject and that I can and have helped. The desire for
treatment is unrelated to the severity of acne. Some adolescents
request prescriptions for very mild acne yet another
might pass on treatment and yet their acne is a lot more severe.
It is also very helpful to find a pharmacy that carries the
various acne medications and products and is knowledgeable
and experienced with this disease. It is important to consider
acne as more than a mere cosmetic problem and to include
all of its negative affects in its management and care.
Rx Plus Pharmacy is a URAC accredited dermatology specialty pharmacy.
“By receiving URAC accreditation, Rx Plus Pharmacy has demonstrated a commitment to quality
health care. Quality health care is crucial to our nation’s welfare, and it is important to have organizations
that are willing to measure themselves against national standards and undergo rigorous evaluation
by an independent accrediting body.” - URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green
Please call to speak to one of our pharmacists about your dermatological needs today.
Keloid Scars Hypertrophic Scars Contracture Scars Acne Scars

“Scars” are normal healing responses to traumatized
skin. As a wound heals, scar tissue forms, which at first is often
red and somewhat prominent. Over several months, the
red scar usually becomes flat and pale.
Silicone gel is cosmetically elegant, easy to apply, and
can be worn under makeup and sunscreen. Acting as a barrier
to water loss, silicone helps lock in moisture, which is what
skin needs to heal and thrive. Wounds don’t heal as effectively
if they are dry. Silicone gel works its
Silicone gel is cosmetically
elegant, easy to
apply, and can be worn
under makeup and
sunscreen.
magic on the top layer of the skin, called
the epidermis. Not only has it been
proven to improve scar appearance, it
also reduces that raw, red appearance
indicative of scarring. It also relieves
pain and itching, with the ability to treat
all types of scars, such as hypertrophic
scars. In addition, it can soften scars and
boost skin elasticity, which helps them
heal.
Patients with scars often search drugstore aisles looking
for help, only to find a “jungle” of products from which to
choose. Though many brands claim to help, Serica Moisturizing
Scar Formula is unique, because it's formulated with a special
blend of ingredients, including Amazonian Pracaxi oil and
a patented network of semipermeable silicones that help to
improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Serica Moisturizing Scar formula is a dermatologist
recommended product designed to improve the appearance
of old, new, and acne scars. It is the first commercially available
skin care line to contain Pracaxi oil. Pracaxi oil, known for
its highly moisturizing properties and is derived from the seed
of the Pentaclethra macroloba
(Pracaxi) tree found in the Amazon
rainforest. Pracaxi oil contains essential
fatty acids; behenic and linoleic
acids, which work synergistically to
promote skin elasticity and moisture
retention. Although scars cannot be
completely eliminated, you will see
dramatic results in
the tone and texture
of the skin when using
Serica.
The Collagen
P.I.N. is a revolutionary
micro-needling
device which aims to
tighten, lift and rejuvenate
skin. The Collagen
P.I.N. is the latest
and most advanced model available
today. The Collagen P.I.N. has
many benefits:
Dr Steven J. Brooks
Brooks Dermatology
Manhasset
444 Community Drive,
Suite 102
Manhasset, NY 11030
Phone: (516) 439-4707
Fax: (516) 439-4709
Safer and more effective in piercing the skin than traditional
skin needling rollers
Has a superior effect on collagen and elastin rejuvenation
Multi-speed and adjustable needle depth
Highest effectiveness
Effectively treat hard-to-reach places
Promotes scar-less healing and natural collagen
reproduction

DE·PRES·SION
dəˈpreSH(ə)n/
An act of depressing or a state of being depressed: such as a
1. a state of feeling sad : dejection anger, anxiety, and depression
2. a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking
and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and
time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes
suicidal tendencies bouts of depression suffering from clinical depression
The death of a loved one, loss of a job or the ending of a relationship are difficult experiences for a person to
handle. In these situations, it is normal for feelings of sadness or grief to develop in response. Those experiencing loss
often describe themselves as being “depressed.” But being sad is not the same as having depression. The grieving process
is natural and unique to each individual and shares some of the same features of depression. Both grief and depression
may involve intense sadness and withdrawal from usual activities. -American Psychiatric Association
In grief, painful feelings come in waves, often
intermixed with positive memories of the deceased.
In grief, self-esteem is usually maintained.
In major depression, mood and/or interest (pleasure) are
decreased for most of two weeks or longer.
In major depression, feelings of worthlessness and selfloathing
are common.
Sadness, despair, mourning
Fatigue or low energy
Tears
Loss of appetite
Poor sleep
Poor concentration
Happy and sad memories
Mild feelings of guilt
Worthlessness
Exaggerated fatigue
Suicidal thoughts
Low self-esteem
Powerlessness
Helplessness
Agitation
Exaggerated guilt
Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
Gradually and after an undetermined amount
of time, these feelings remit as the individual
regains their equilibrium as they return to normal
life.
In major depression, these feelings are unremitting and
carry with them the real danger of suicide. Daily functioning
at work and home are impaired and the individual feels
as if they will never climb out of these feelings.
Need help? Go to MentalHealth.net for more
information
If you are thinking about suicide, don’t hesitate to call
1-800-273-TALK to discuss this with someone at the
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
FIND SUPPORT...especially when you feel like isolating yourself
EXPRESS GRATITUDE...name three things you are grateful for each morning or night.
JOURNAL YOUR FEELINGS...daily to help release those negative emotions.
LEAN ON YOUR FAITH...spirituality or something greater than you.
REDISCOVER ACTIVITIES...and hobbies that bring you peace, joy, and vitality.
EXERCISE DAILY...15-20 minutes of cardio is all it takes to release feel-good hormones.
PRACTICE MINDFULNESS...be in the moment.

By Elisa R. Valenti, Pharm.D
Depression strips you of the
chemicals that boost energy.
It is normal to feel tired
after a hard day’s work but
feeling exaggeratedly, exhausted
after a 13-hour
night’s sleep, day after day,
is distinguishable from feeling
tired. Patients report
themselves unable to get
out of bed to do their normal
activities due to unexplained
or exaggerated exhaustion.
Sufferers describe
feelings of worthlessness
associated with their inability
to “shake off” how they
feel.
Depression decreases our
ability to enjoy the activities
we normally enjoy. Many
sufferers of depression
simply don’t desire the
physical connectedness of
intercourse. They report
feeling uninterested in intimacy
or isolate themselves
from their partner. This can
sometimes cause strain between
partners as the nondepressed
partner may not
understand why the distance
has been placed between
them. They also may
not make the connection
that the isolation has nothing
to do with them but has
everything to do with their
partner’s depression. This
may add to the sufferer's
feelings of guilt.
Most days we are sharp and
focused. But people suffering
from depression, may
experience a consistent regular
pattern of days where
they are not “on the ball”.
They make frequent unusual
mistakes or feel uncharacteristically
clumsy. As a
result, poor concentration
or indecisiveness may keep
us from performing at our
best. Sufferers describe
feeling powerless that they
are unable to muster the
strength to change how
they feel.
Symptoms of depression or
stress may not present
themselves in the usual
way. Many times, patients
will have physical symptoms
they can’t explain. Patients
may have persistent muscle
or joint pain, gastric or
stomach pain, or physical
symptoms like headache,
among others. When we try
to suppress the feelings of
depression, in time they
may release themselves as
physical ailments we can’t
justify.
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the
future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” ― Lao Tzu
On the other side of feeling
overly tired, depressed patients
report feeling constantly
restless or unable to
get comfortable. This may
or may not be accompanied
by the feeling of agitation
toward normally trivial obstacles.
It is not uncommon
for patients who are depressed
to present with
feelings of anger or irritation
and snap at the littlest
things or at the people they
love most.
When a negative mood hits,
we may resort to comfort
foods to boost the feelgood-hormones
in our
brains. We may also overeat
in response to our constant
feelings of exhaustion. As a
result of trying to fix our
mood with food, one gains
weight. The excess weight
may increase feelings of
insecurity and lower selfesteem,
adding to the cycle
of depression. Sufferers
report feeling helpless in
changing this cycle.
Depression can cause
sufferers to essentially,
withdraw from life and isolate
themselves from the
people or activities they
once enjoyed. Patients report
feeling numb, empty or
simply don’t care about engaging
in the activities, hobbies,
holidays, or social
functions that once, colored
their worlds. Sufferers
will feel a constant and general
sense of low, grey or
blue mood. In some cases,
sufferers of depression describe
having thoughts of
death or dying when life
doesn't seem worth living.
Our dreams are the product
of our thoughts. Depressed
patients may report movielike,
vivid dreams of disturbing
or troubling scenes.
When we are troubled and
don’t have an outlet by
which to express our emotions,
our mind may replay
those negative feelings in
dreams or nightmares.

Anxiety and depression are common medical conditions.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 20 people over the age of
12 are living with anxiety or depression. Mental health can be
intimidating to discuss. However, it is very important to be
treated for these conditions.
Some common anxiety and depression treatments
include Zoloft (sertraline), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro
(escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram), Wellbutrin
(bupropion), Abilify (aripiprazole), Effexor
(venlafaxine), Paxil (paroxetine), Viibryd (vilazodone), Trintellix
(vortioxetine), Remeron (mirtazepine), Pristiq
(desvenlafaxine), Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam), and
Klonopin (clonazepam).
By Laura A. Kalschmid,
PharmD Candidate 2018
There are side effects that may occur when taking
these medications. The benefits of treatment nearly always
outweigh the risk of side effects from these medications.
Some patients experience sleep disturbances, daytime
drowsiness, dry mouth, dry skin, dry eyes, weight gain, suicidal
thoughts, and sexual side effects. These side effects do not
affect every person. Some people can experience multiple
side effects and others may not experience any at all. Many
patients find side effects of these medications difficult to
manage. Your Rx Plus pharmacist can help you manage these
side effects. Our pharmacists know multiple ways to help you
find a solution and they can work with your physician to find
the best treatment option for you.
Physical symptoms may include headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, skin rashes, or diarrhea. Although these symptoms
may seem alarming to you, they are usually mild and temporary. It is important to understand that you may not see any
significant improvements for anxiety and depression symptoms until two to four weeks after you begin your medication. This
means it is important for you to take the medication each day so that your provider can assess the full benefit the medication
has for you. However, if you experience severe side effects, call your provider immediately.
There are multiple ways to manage dryness caused by depression and anxiety medications. You may begin to notice that you
have dry mouth. For some people, a lozenge or cough drop is sufficient. For others, a medicated, over the counter product
called Biotene can be helpful. This product is specially formulated to combat dry mouth and comes in various formulations
including a mouth rinse/wash, spray, gel, toothpaste, and lozenge. There are many over the counter options for dry skin. These
include Aquaphor, CeraVe, Eucerin, and Aveeno. Dry eyes can be managed through a number of over the counter eye
drops including Systane Ultra and Refresh. If you have any additional questions on over the counter or prescription dryness
treatment or side effect concerns, your Rx Plus pharmacist can find the best product for you.
Many people notice trouble sleeping when they first start taking an antidepressant — trouble falling asleep or that they wake
up easily during the night. This can include nightmares and sleepwalking. Consider taking the medication when you first wake
up to prevent you from being kept awake at night. If sleep disturbances do not resolve, consider speaking with your provider
to see if this medication is the best fit for you.
This can be a direct sedative effect or a side effect of the at night wakefulness. If you feel drowsy on a medication, it is best
not to drive, handle heavy machinery, or make important decisions while you feel this way. Taking these medications at night
can help combat this side effect.
This is one of the most common reasons that patients stop taking their medication or need to change medications. It is associated
with long term use of antidepressants. Getting 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week should help prevent
weight gain. Eating smaller, well balanced meals may also help with weight loss. If you are still struggling with weight, ask your
provider if you would benefit from a change in antidepressant therapy such as switching to Wellbutrin (Bupropion) which is
associated with weight loss or Effexor (Venlafaxine) which is not associated with weight loss or weight gain.
Taking an antidepressant may increase the risk of suicidal thinking. In fact, taking an SSRI or another antidepressant doubles
the risk for suicidal thinking. Keep in mind, the overall risk of this depression medication side effect for children, teens, and
adults is 2 to 4 percent. One reason why antidepressants may lead to suicide is
that they may give a person enough energy to carry out a suicide plan. Regular follow-up with your doctor is the best way to
prevent this rare side effect and you should let them know immediately if you feel more depressed and/or have suicidal
thoughts. Good communication with your physician, pharmacist, and/or therapist is vital to preventing this from occurring.
Antidepressants can also be associated with sexual dysfunction. This can be an embarrassing side effect to bring up with your
physician or pharmacist but it is important that it be addressed and/or treated. Sexual dysfunction can have a negative impact
on a person’s relationship with their partner and can lead to a strain on their own emotions. Speak to your provider
about a possible dose adjustment. Lower doses of antidepressants have been associated with a lower risk for sexual dysfunction.
Switching to another antidepressant can be helpful as well. Wellbutrin (Bupropion), Viibryd (Vilazodone), and Trintellix
(Vortioxetine) have the lowest risk for sexual side effects.

It’s happening again- my fingers are starting to tingle. My
heart is racing. What is going on? Why are my arms numb? I’m 20
years old, I can’t be having a heart attack. “Priscella, are you
okay?”, my cousin asked as I clenched the red scarf around my
neck. I couldn’t respond. I could see her handing me a glass of
water, I could see her lips moving, and I heard the noise of all the
people around me, but I could only concentrate on the sound of
my heart beating faster and faster in my chest.
I felt cold. A breeze of cool air hit my face like waking up
from a sudden sleep. I could hear my mother, my cousin and my
family around me when I realized they
took me outside. I was sitting outside, on
By Priscella Ortiz, Rx Plus Pharmacy Delivery Department
a kitchen chair while the party was going
on inside. “What is going on?, I asked” My
cousin looked in my eyes, looking into
eyes that didn’t recognize her and said,
“Priscella, I think you are having a panic
attack.”
“I don’t have panic attacks”, I assured
her. “I just don’t feel good sometimes”.
The feeling went away, just like
that, like nothing happened and I was left feeling embarrassed. I
felt confused. I just wanted to go back inside and regain my composure.
Over the course of the next few months, these feelings
would come and go and I would tell myself I was fine. I would
deal with them in whatever way I could. I knew the minute it was
starting. After one too many of these attacks, I knew it was time
to seek some help.
My cousin was right. By the end of my appointment, my
doctor confirmed it. He told me I was having anxiety attacks. He
gave me a prescription for some medication. I was reluctant to
pick it up from the pharmacy. I spoke with my pharmacist, who
told me the medication may cause some drowsiness, that would
go away after I got used to it; I just needed to be patient. It did
just that, it made me feel sleepy and I was not patient. Against
the advice of my doctor and pharmacist, I stopped taking the
medicine. I didn’t want to take medication; I wanted to be in control
of myself. The hard-headed person in me wanted to take
care of myself. So, I resorted to cigarettes in an attempt to selfmedicate
myself, but smoking
only made me feel worse. I tried
taking vitamins but forget to
take them most of the time. I
reached the point where just
dealing with it, was the only option
I would accept.
I know when the feeling
is starting, I know that it affects
how I feel, my mood, my
productivity
at work
“My anxiety teaches me to
try and stay calm and keep
the mind, body and soul
happy because the mind
and soul are connected.“
and my
interaction with those around me. The feelings
creep up on me when I least expect it.
I’m learning how to control my feelings and
learn my triggers and accept that. I’m trying
to control my emotions and surroundings
but it’s not easy. Sometimes I’ll get a
chill so I’ll always carry a sweater. Other
times, I’ll get a chill that turns into a sweat.
A cold sweat that turns into a mixture of
hot and cold feelings all over my body. I’ll breathe deeply or talk
myself out of it, or put water on my face or look to my friends for
support during those moments. I have taught myself to remember
that the feeling will pass and I will pull myself back.
If you are reading this article and struggle with these
same feelings, you're not alone. You don’t have to cope alone.
You can opt for medicine, you can opt for talk therapy, you can
opt for accepting help. You don’t have to fight through this alone.
My anxiety has taught me to try and stay calm and keep
the mind, body and soul happy because the mind and soul are
connected. My anxiety teaches me to to practice self-care and to
laugh more and find happiness even in life’s troubles. Finding
positivity in the light of negativity that surrounds us, is the best
medicine for me. I deliberately participate in activities that promote
positivity in my life in order to take care of my mental,
emotional, and physical health.
My name is Priscella. I'm 29 years old and anxiety is part
of my life.
In what ways do you take care of yourself? Do you practice
self-care? In our fast paced world, it is easy to lose sight of
oneself and neglect our essential need for self-care.
What is self-care? It seems like a
simple concept but often it is overlooked.
Self-care is an action we intentionally and
purposefully do to promote our mental,
emotional, and physical health. Practicing
good self-care is essential to improved
mood and reduced anxiety. Self-love starts
with self-care and is fundamental to a
good relationship with oneself and others.
Self-care is not an activity we force
ourselves to do or an obligation. It is an activity that nourishes
our soul and ignites our spirit; it gives to our soul and does not
take away from us.
Take Time to Do
What Makes Your
Soul Happy
Practicing self-care is not a selfish act. It is not about placing our
needs above others. Instead it is about doing the things we need
to do to take care of ourselves. We learn this idea every time we
board an aircraft. If a child is seated beside
you, we are told to put on our own mask
before helping to put a mask on the child.
Without performing self-care, we won’t be
in the place to provide of ourselves for others.
The key to finding balance in life is
practicing self-care. Balance does not just
happen. One must actively engage in planning
and being conscious of one's choices
to achieve it. Self-care involves being mindful of what one does
and doesn’t do and incorporating those choices into a routine.
1. Create a “no” list, with things you know you don’t like or you
no longer want to do. Examples might include: Not checking
emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like, not
answering your phone during lunch/dinner.
2. Promote a nutritious, healthy diet.
3. Get enough sleep. Adults usually need 7-8 hours of sleep.
4. Find an exercise you like to boost mood and energy.
5. Don’t put off a follow-up visit with the doctor.
6. Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation any time.
7. Spend enough time with your loved ones. Nothing relieves
stress better than a hug.
8. Do at least one relaxing activity every day
9. Do at least one pleasurable activity every day
10. Find reasons to laugh!

SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, most commonly late fall
and winter, and goes away during the spring or summer. It is thought that SAD is related to changes
in the amount of daylight during different times of the year, and this disorder has a much higher
prevalence in areas that are located far from the equator and have long winters.
Similar to patients who have depression, patients with SAD experience feelings of sadness, worthlessness,
irritability. You may lose interest in activities that normally bring you joy. Other symptoms
include difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, weight gain and cravings, and thoughts of suicide. These
symptoms are usually significant enough to cause marked impairment in daily functioning.
SAD occurs in about 5% of US population in any given year, with symptoms present for about 40% of
the year.
Being a female - four times as many women are diagnosed with SAD than men.
Having family members with SAD or depression
Co-existing depression or bipolar disorder
Young age - your chances of getting SAD decrease as you get older
Malgorzata Slugocki, PharmD
Assistant Professor of
Pharmacy Practice
Fairleigh Dickinson University
School of Pharmacy
230 Park Avenue, M-SP1-01
Florham Park, NJ 07932
(973)-443-8205
slugocki@fdu.edu
If you experience the above symptoms and you noticed they only occur in late fall and winter, and have any of the above risk
factors, chances are that you may have SAD. Make sure to talk to your physician so that you get properly diagnosed.
There are three main treatment strategies to manage
SAD: light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and
antidepressant medications. All three options are appropriate,
and the choice of treatment depends on patient preference.
Light therapy includes daily sessions, about 30
minutes in duration, in front of a special light box, that emits
a bright light that mimics natural sunlight. This therapy
should continue until enough sunlight returns (usually in the
spring). Stopping early may result in return of symptoms. Do
not use tanning beds to treat SAD as they contain UV rays
that may damage your eyes and skin.
CBT is an approach in psychotherapy that can help
you replace negative thoughts with positive ones. You can
also learn how to manage stress.
Medications used for SAD mainly include selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are also commonly
used to treat depression. These are associated with a number
of adverse effects and also have to be taken for several
weeks before improvement is seen.
The keys to living with SAD are to plan ahead and manage your symptoms:
Follow your treatment plan - stay compliant with medications, appointments, and follow up if things aren't working
Take care of yourself - eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep
Learn to manage stress - find ways to
Don't turn to alcohol or drugs - they make depression worse
Don't isolate yourself - surround yourself with people and reach out
Plan ahead - some patients purposely plan their lives to be busy
around the time they feel down
Are my symptoms likely indicative of SAD?
What is causing my SAD?
Which treatment is best for me?
How long will I continue my treatment?
Should I make any changes to my diet?
What changes can I make at home to help myself?
Can I exercise to help me deal with SAD?
FamilyDoctor.org: https://familydoctor.org/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/
National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/
index.shtml
Mayo Clinic.org, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptomscauses/syc-20364651

Grief hits us like a freight train, sometimes
when we least expect it. I’ll never forget the ice-cold
feeling that coursed through my veins when the ringing
of my phone woke me up on August 27 th 2016.
Looking at the caller ID the name that flashed across
the screen told me everything I needed to know without
answering: My aunt had passed away. Just three
months prior my family and I learned about her diagnosis
of bladder cancer and we spent as many hours
as we could by her side. I found myself having difficulty
wrapping my brain around her quick deterioration
so I took to burying what I was feeling and focused
on being someone my cousin and my mom
could lean on.
When the call
of her passing came
my immediate thought
was how is everyone
else and what could I
do for them? I ran on
autopilot for a few
months, until my
grandmother’s passing.
She was brokenhearted
after losing
her daughter 5 months prior. As I sat on a plane flying
4,000 thousand miles across the world to attend the
funeral I was suddenly hit with the full weight of the
emotions I had been burying for so long, two very important
women in my life were gone and I’d never get
them back. I felt my insides shatter at the thought and
my world came to a screeching halt.
I know now that depression had
sunk its claws into me but at the time my
By Mishela Margan, Rx Plus Pharmacy Technician
“What we have once
enjoyed deeply we can
never lose. All that we love
deeply becomes a part of us.”
–Helen Keller
mind wasn’t clear enough to notice the
signs as I struggled with grief. Forgotten,
was the person that always had a smile
and hug at the ready to brighten someone
else’s day. What was left was a woman
with a short fuse looking for the smallest
irritant to blow up on. I began to isolate
myself from the people I once laughed
with and I slowly started to see the grey
cloud that would appear when I entered a room. I didn’t
like this new version of myself but when it came to
making changes in my life I felt like I was in a hole
that I couldn’t climb out of. I was mentally and physically
exhausted not knowing
what else to do I made an
appointment to see my doctor.
I had to be honest about
why I was sitting in his office,
I knew I couldn’t help
myself because I didn’t
know how and so I tried my
best to explain everything
swimming around in my
head, in doing so, a qualified
health professional,
was able to teach me the
signs and symptoms of depression such
irritability, anxiety, and sleep issues all of
which I had been experiencing and we
were able to work together on finding the
best therapy so I could start healing.
It didn’t happen over night, in fact
it’s been a little over a year and I still have
some bad days, but in speaking with a
doctor I learned that asking for help is a
sign of strength, not weakness. Accomplishing
that, first step helped me take
more. I researched the stages of grief
to understand what I was feeling (or experiencing).
Through online support forums I was able to find positive
ways of coping, instead of burying emotions I
started learning to work through them. I reached out
to friends and opened up about how I had been feeling.
I learned some had been through similar situations.
From their suggestions I began to keep a journal,
writing in it has
become cathartic for
me.
...in speaking with a doctor I
learned that asking for help
is a sign of strength, not
weakness.
When I miss my
aunt and grandma it’s
easy to start to feel
sad but instead I think
of all the things that
they’ve taught me,
how they’ve helped
shape me, and all the
wonderful memories I’m lucky enough to have.
They’re no longer a call, bus, or plane ride away but
the essence of who they were will always remain with
me.

Thanks to our excellent Pharmacists and staff, Rx Plus Pharmacy is a region leader in
patient care and serves thousands of patients in the region with free delivery in
the New York and surrounding areas. We look forward to providing you the very best
pharmaceutical care. If you have any prescriptions you need filled, be sure to contact
us; our staff would be happy to assist.
There are now so many ways to Connect to Rx Plus Pharmacy!
Have a question about
your prescription, delivery
status, insurance or a
health question? Shoot us
a text at 718-456
456-0100.
You can also reach us at
that number if you need
to speak to a pharmacist
or representative.
Want to have Rx Plus Phar-
macy at your fingertips at
all times? Well, now you
can! Download our new
mobile app today to refill
prescriptions, set medica-
tion reminders, view store
information, and more!
Visit our website at
www.RxPlusPharmacy.net
for more information.
You can now convenient-
ly refill your prescription
online on our website
www.RxPlusPharmacy.n
et. Simply click on the
RefillRx button (like the
one you see above!) and
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mit your
refill request.
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and gifts, a new addition to the many beautiful gift ideas the Shoppe has to offer!
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71-30 Myrtle Avenue
Glendale, NY
Phone: 718-456-0100
Fax: 718-456-0300
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