When most people think of pharmacists, they picture someone behind the counter at a drugstore, neatly packaging prescriptions and giving the occasional advice on cold medicine. But the reality of being a pharmacist—especially in the current healthcare environment—is far more intense and emotionally demanding than many realize. And like many others in healthcare, we face a level of stress that often goes unnoticed and unspoken.

The Pressure Beneath the Surface

Pharmacy school teaches you how to calculate dosages, understand drug interactions, and navigate complex patient cases. What it doesn’t teach you is how to handle the emotional toll of high-pressure situations, or how to juggle dozens of responsibilities at once while staying calm and professional. When I first started my career during the peak of COVID-19, I was part of the team vaccinating vulnerable populations—nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and even large-scale operations like Delta Airlines’ employee base in Atlanta.

It was rewarding work, but it was also exhausting. The long hours, the constant pace, the pressure to not make a single mistake—it adds up. And when the adrenaline fades, what’s left is often mental fatigue, burnout, and an unhealthy sense of being on autopilot.

The Unseen Burnout

Unlike doctors or nurses who may have more established networks to process their experiences, pharmacists often work in more isolated roles. Whether it’s retail or hospital pharmacy, many of us spend our shifts buried in logistics—verifying prescriptions, managing staff, coordinating with insurance companies—all while trying to meet high expectations from both patients and employers.

Add in the growing demand for pharmacists to take on more clinical responsibilities, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout. What’s worse is that we rarely talk about it. In pharmacy culture, admitting you’re overwhelmed can sometimes feel like admitting you’re not good enough. That needs to change.

Recognizing the Signs

For me, the signs of stress weren’t obvious at first. I was sleeping less, feeling mentally foggy, and starting to dread the start of each shift. I noticed I was becoming short-tempered and less patient, both at work and outside of it. At some point, I realized that if I didn’t take care of my mental health, I’d be no good to anyone—especially the patients who rely on me.

Recognizing the signs early—irritability, fatigue, lack of motivation, or even physical symptoms like headaches—is the first step in protecting your mental well-being. Once you see it, you can do something about it.

Building a Support System

One thing that has helped me is connecting with other pharmacists. Whether through group chats, social media forums, or in-person meetups, just knowing that others are going through the same thing can be incredibly comforting. Sometimes, you just need someone to say, “Yeah, I’ve been there too.”

In addition, leaning on close friends and family—even if they’re not in healthcare—can make a huge difference. They might not understand every detail of your job, but they can provide perspective, comfort, and encouragement when things feel overwhelming.

Finding Outlets Outside of Work

For me, staying active has always been my go-to stress reliever. Whether it’s playing basketball or football with friends, hiking new trails, or getting into a game of pickleball, movement helps me reset. It’s a way to reconnect with my body and release tension from the day.

Travel has also become a meaningful way to recharge. Exploring places like Japan, the Netherlands, and the U.S. national parks reminds me there’s a big world outside the pharmacy. Those experiences help keep things in perspective and remind me why balance matters.

Small Habits, Big Impact

You don’t need to make huge life changes to protect your mental health. Even small habits can help:

• Take breaks during long shifts—even five minutes to breathe and reset can help.
  
• Say no when you’re stretched too thin. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary.
  
• Get enough sleep. It sounds simple, but it’s often the first thing sacrificed during high-stress times.
  
• Talk to someone. Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted mentor, or a coworker, speaking openly can lighten the load.
  

Normalizing the Conversation

If there’s one takeaway from my experience so far, it’s that protecting your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We need to normalize conversations about burnout and stress in the pharmacy world. The job will always come with pressure, but we don’t have to suffer in silence.

As pharmacists, we play a vital role in the healthcare system. But we’re also human. We need rest. We need support. And we deserve to be well, too.

So, if you’re feeling the weight of it all—know that you’re not alone. Take a deep breath, reach out, and start taking care of yourself the way you take care of others.