Half of Lac-Mgantic residents still suffer from PTSD, says health survey

According to a new health study, 49 per cent of the population inLac-Mgantic still suffer from post-traumatic stressdisorder after the 2013 rail disasterwhich destroyed a significant portion of the town's downtown core.

The Eastern Townships health administration's study does havepositive findings the percentage of people with PTSD is down from 67 per cent in 2015 and more people are using the medical andpsycho-social services to deal with their trauma.

Railway bypass

Dr. Mlissa Gnreux, a public health physician for the Eastern Townships, said the community is eager for a railway bypass to relieve some of their stress.

"The train was a source of pride whereas now it's a source of fear,"Gnreux said.

"It's hard for people to recover when they are constantly exposed to the source of their trauma."

• Lac-Mgantic coroner says 47 deaths were 'violent, avoidable'

The study also stated that PTSD episodes remain frequent for those who were in closest proximity to the blast 68 per cent of respondents.But that number is also down from 76 per cent in 2015.

"So many people struggle with post-traumatic stress, so constantly seeing the train, being exposed to the train, I'm not sure that it really helps them recover,"Gnreuxsaid.

Supporters of the proposedbypass rejoiced last week when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would work with Federal Minister of TransportationMarc Garneau to try to speed up the process of getting it installed.

• Lac-Mgantic residents press for rail bypass on 3-year anniversary of disaster