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Support group in Ford City offers help to depressed

Leader-Times (Kittanning, PA) - 8/26/2014

Aug. 26--When news of Robin Williams' suicide broke two weeks ago, fans everywhere grieved the loss of the iconic American actor and comedian.

Closer to home, the news pushed a 38-year-old Ford City man to take action and find a way to help those suffering from depression.

"I thought it's time to get out there and let people know depression is more than about feeling sad," John Umbaugh said.

Umbaugh has had depression since he was a teenager and is starting a support group in the Crooked Creek area of Armstrong County. He said he wants those suffering alone to come and gain strength from sharing their experiences with his group.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays each month beginning on Sept. 2. The meetings will take place at 127 Camp Road in Ford City in a house owned by Umbaugh's relatives.

It's estimated that one in 10 adults in the nation suffers from depression, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, loss of energy, changes in eating and sleeping patterns and mood swings.

"Support groups can be helpful," said David Shaeffer, executive director of the Family Counseling Center in Armstrong County.

But clinical depression is a medical condition, and people shouldn't try to substitute appropriate treatment by attending a support group, he said.

"The best results come from some kind of talking therapy and medication," he said.

Most people with symptoms tend to be treated initially by their family doctor, Shaeffer said. If a person's symptoms persist or get worse, the doctor will refer them to specialty care.

He said the most effective way for mental health practitioners to intervene is to evaluate the person to rule out any other medical conditions and to find a safe therapeutic level of medication if it is necessary. The idea is to assist, educate and provide help to people, not dictate any given treatment.

Support groups are an important addition to treatment, Shaeffer said.

"They can also give family members coping strategies that can be extremely helpful," he said.

Umbaugh, who said he received an online certification in hypnotherapy, plans to share some coping skills he learned with others -- like reinforcing positive emotional behaviors.

"You can try dealing with depression on your own, but having people who know what you're going through helps tremendously," Umbaugh said.

Brigid Beatty is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-543-1303 or bbeatty@tribweb.com.

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