BONHAM, TX -- A new program helps returning soldiers get the help they need. Nearly ninety percent of the men and women who return home from combat suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, but many of those do not seek treatment.

Therapists say many times a person doesn't even know he or she is suffering from PTSD, until they usually tell a primary care physician their symptoms, and notice something's not right. Even though the Bonham Veteran's Administration's program is in its infancy, it's already seeing results.

The images of war are unforgettable, seared in the minds of members of US armed forces. Everyone is happy to return home. For many, settling back into normal life isn't easy.

"I just noticed things start to seep in. [I was] having anger frustrations, the dreams started occurring and as it went along it started to get really bad. It got to where I couldn't sleep, felt restless at night," says Sgt. Shane Stone served for years in the army.

He traveled to several countries, the latest Iraq. He returned home in August 2003. Stone tried medication for PTSD, but says he felt lifeless.

“My anger caused me a lot of problems, getting in trouble, things like that. I knew I'd have enough. I hurt all my family and my close friends,” he says.

Two months ago, Stone started attending therapy at the Bonham VA hospital. The mental health unit started a new program specifically for PTSD. Doctors noticed more area veterans showing symptoms, especially younger veterans recently returning from combat.

"We find that we can make benefits not only in sleep and anger and intrusive thoughts about the past, but we can also do a lot to improve family function, help them maintain jobs and all kinds of things," says Steve Bender, psychologist and head of the PTSD program at the hospital.

There are group and personal sessions. There are also group sessions for couples and one just for wives. The goal is to give soldiers and their families skills to cope with symptoms and to relearn how to overcome traumatic events.

"[They say] ‘you're tough, you're macho,’ because that's what the run with you in the military. That's what you're supposed to be. You don't have feelings you don't show feelings. You're there to do your jobs and that's what you're there to do,” Stone says.

But when you come home, it's the same mentality. You're strong, you don't need help, if you go to the doctor, and you’re a wimp. But that's not true. The real wimps is the ones that don’t go to the doctor. The ones that go to the doctor can get the right help if they're in the right place," he says.

In addition to couple's therapy and a wives group, there are also groups for those who deal with PTSD and substance abuse, or and another for PTSD and anger management.

The mental health clinic at the VA hospital won't turn any veteran away.

For information on the PTSD Program, contact the Bonham VA at 903-583-2111 or 800-924-8387 ext. 36241

The Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center is located at 1201 E. Ninth Street Bonham, TX 75418