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JBSA News
NEWS | June 24, 2010

Women's wellness group helps manage life stressors

By Amn Precious Yett 502nd ABW OL-B Public Affairs

Women's Wellness group is held every Thursday in the 359th Medical Group conference room.

The group is designed for women who are experiencing difficulty with a range of concerns, from depression, anxiety, weight management, stress management, chronic health conditions and difficult life transitions.

The focus of the group is to assist in providing guidance and structure in developing and implementing a treatment plan or life alteration in order to improve each individual's quality of life.

"The class helps the women who attend to set goals for themselves. Once they have successfully completed the training, [I've seen] them appear to be healthier, happier people," said A1C Ronald Albright, mental health technician.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, who is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Behavioral Health Consultant and head of the Behavioral Health Optimization Program (BHOP) is the group's facilitator, but she will be assisted by Airman 1st Class Albright who will take over if her schedule changes.

"The purpose of the program is to help people learn how to manage stress more effectively while receiving support from their peers. Hopefully, it will aid the participants in accepting the fact that although life is difficult it is okay to ask for help from others, especially to prevent obtaining relief from unhealthy activities used as a means of coping. Ask for help before the problem becomes too serious," said Dr. Mitchell.

The group is limited to 12-15 individuals on a first come, first serve basis. It is open to all DoD cardholders, military or civilian. Classes began June 10 and the last is July 29.

"The class started because I encountered a lot of women in the same age range, 40-60s, all experiencing the same stressors. I thought it would be good to see people in a group environment. I would be able to serve more people at one time and provide a larger number of people with information about mental and physical health--it gave a me greater ability to integrate the two", said Dr. Mitchell.

For more information on the women's wellness group, call Airman 1st Class Albright at 652-2448 or Dr. Mitchell at 652-2437.