Fort Drum saw a 253 percent increase in the number of soldiers seeking treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Feedback: More Fort Drum Soldiers Seek Help For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Over a two year period, Fort Drum saw a 253 percent increase in the number of soldiers seeking treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

The local post says more troops are coming back from war in Iraq and Afghanistan with mental and emotional scars because of their exposure to combat.

“We think because our outreach is good, and because we’re aggressive at getting folks in the door, that the numbers are increasing…that given the fact that the conflict has been extended, we’re having more soldiers that have been deployed multiple times,” said clinical psychologist Dr. Todd Benham of Fort Drum’s Behavioral Health Department.

In the past, PTSD was called by other names including ’shell shock’ and ‘traumatic war neurosis’.

Thousands of soldiers suffered in silence from the anxiety disorder, which can cause depression as well as problems with sleep, concentration and behavior.

“Suicide is a huge concern for us and it’s something we’re actively addressing. It’s part of the reason that we partner with our local inpatient facilities to make sure we have a place to send soldiers that are suicidal,” said Dr. Benham.

Over the years, thousands of PTSD sufferers never sought treatment because of the fear that their military careers would be destroyed.

“Because of the stigma associated with mental health and accessing mental health services, that in some ways is a challenge - creates a barrier for those who need treatment from perhaps recognizing a problem and then accessing treatment,” said Dennis Whalen, deputy secretary for New York State Health and Human Services.

Since 2000, every soldier assigned to Fort Drum receives mental health screenings.

Since 2005, every soldier meets with a clinical social worker.

As a result, the stigma associated with PTSD appears to be diminishing - as reflected in the data provided by Fort Drum.

In 2004, the local post says it had 1,048 visits for PTSD.

Two years later, there were 2,269 visits - a 253 percent increase.

Fewer than 1 percent of soldiers leave Fort Drum due to PTSD.

Approximately 7 percent of soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team have sought some type of mental health treatment.

For more information about the causes, symptoms and treatment for PTSD, click here.

See Jeff Nelson’s report:

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