By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder suffered by returning war veterans is a growing issue facing both vets and the social service agencies that treat them.

Experts on PTSD, and some veterans who have faced the disorder, shared thoughts at a session hosted by City Council’s Veterans Advisory Commission.

“It’s a growing problem and it has initiated more suicides, even in this new war, than combat deaths,” said Wanda Pate, a coordinator on the commission.

Pate and other experts said social service agencies are only now becoming aware of the symptoms and devastating effects of PTSD. One of the veterans in attendance was Robert Fisher, who lives in the city’s Fishtown section.

“The unseen scars are deeper than those that are seen and a lot of our guys carry that with them, that they really have no outlet for,” said Fisher.

For more information visit: phila.gov/veterans.