(PORTLAND, ORE. - Sept. 11, 2007) It may be six years since the 9-11 tragedy, but Americans are far from recovered from the catastrophe, says Byron Kehler, a therapist and volunteer with Oregon's Medical Teams International.

Kehler says 9-11 ushered in a new level of anxiety for many of us. "In the six years since 9-11, the use of antidepressants has risen 65 percent in America. Our sense of security and safety has been shattered. Going to the airport now is a much different experience than it was before 2001."

PTSD symptoms—depression, difficulty concentrating and extreme sadness—are often subconscious. But anniversary dates and the memories that accompany them, may elicit strong emotions and unexplainable feelings, explains Kehler, who maintains a private practice in Milwaukie, Ore.

Kehler, who provided trauma counseling with Medical Teams International in Sri Lanka and New Orleans, says the need for counseling in disasters is critical for families to regain stability. "We see firsthand from our work in New Orleans that families need ongoing support to function fully—in jobs, in school and in relationships. The opportunity to share their fears and learn methods for coping with these emotions is part of the healing."

Immediately following Sept. 11, 2001, Medical Teams International staffed a mobile health care clinic in downtown Portland. Volunteer trauma and grief counselors spoke with students, business people and tourists to help them cope with the tragedy of 9-11. Thousands of people signed banners of hope and encouragement which were delivered to Ground Zero.

Medical Teams International also sent 16 volunteers to New York City to counsel rescue workers at Ground Zero. The volunteers also provided counseling to students and faculty at New York City's Nyack College, many of whom had witnessed the collapse of the World Trade Center.