Taking Back Control: A seminar on managing stress, anxiety and depression Published March 1, 2011 By Dr. Jon R. Tabije 52nd Medical Operations Support Clinical Psychologist SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Losing Control Stress, depression and anxiety are major causes of illness and death in the United States. They are associated with reduced quality of life, social functioning and excess disability. They also can contribute to or worsen chronic diseases. Depression and anxiety frequently co-occur, and when they do, they have an even greater impact than when they occur alone. A National Institute of Health study indicates that at least 15.7 percent of the population has been told by a health care provider that they had depression at some point in their lifetime. Approximately 11.3 percent of the population has been told they have had some form of anxiety. Persons with depression or anxiety are significantly more likely to have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma and obesity and to be a current smoker, physically inactive and drink heavily. Active-duty members and their families are particularly susceptible to stress, depression and anxiety due to unique circumstances they may face being associated with the military. Hope for Getting Back Control Up to 80 percent of those treated for depression and anxiety show an improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks of beginning some form or combination of treatments, according to the NIH. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, or CBT, is one of the forms of treatment that show high success rates for treatment of depression and anxiety. This combined with other interventions, such as a healthy lifestyle, support groups, and others, has also shown to be effective in reducing the re-occurrence of depression or anxiety. Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression or anxiety do not actively seek nor do they receive treatment. The Department of Defense recognizes the significant impact that stress, depression and anxiety can have on active-duty members and their families and has initiated a comprehensive "resiliency" program in which the purpose is to enhance the mental well-being of active-duty members. Taking Back Control Taking Back Control is a three-session psycho-educational seminar that is based on several intervention models of stress, depression and anxiety. It is based on the same principles as the DOD Resiliency program. While the majority of the focus is on CBT strategies, the seminar takes a holistic approach incorporating healthy living habits. In this seminar, attendees will learn about the physiological, psychosocial, bio-ecological and personality influences on depression and anxiety. Attendees will also learn about and have a first-hand opportunity to practice proven strategies for managing stress, depression and anxiety. Upon completion of the course, attendees will have a fundamental understanding of the factors contributing to a sad or anxious mood, as well as fundamental knowledge of the strategies to reduce these feelings. This seminar is appropriate for individuals who are experiencing depression or anxiety, friends and family members of individuals who are experiencing depression or anxiety, and for individuals who are interested in healthier living. The seminar is scheduled for 5 - 7 p.m. March 17, 24, and 31 in Bldg. 129, Room 214. For more information or to sign up for the seminar, call DSN 452-8285.