Wayne Federation, a veteran living in Airdrie, has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for over forty years and has written a book called PTSD - Poems That Spark Discussion that he launched in Airdrie yesterday.

 The book launch took place at Airdrie's Living Springs Christian Fellowship church, where presentations about the book were made to the crowd of readers and veterans.

Federation said the turn out was exactly what he was aiming for.

"(I feel) very happy. We have aimed this presentation at people who need it the most: first responders and veterans; we have good representation there."

The book, filled with poems Federation wrote over the course of five years to help him with his walk while suffering from PTSD, includes an inside look of his own personal struggle.

"It chronicles my journey from being totally desperate and not understanding why I was feeling the way I was feeling," commented Federation outside of the presentation. "I was feeling suicidal, feeling angry, feeling anxious, (and) feeling depressed."

The book launch featured moving presentations from people commenting on PTSD and its effects on life. Federation said he was extremely touched by the support of the local readers and veterans.

"It's amazing, the support. I'm actually crying, I've been crying for an hour. So this is amazing, it's very nice. Airdrie's a great place for veterans so we thank you very much."

Federation mentioned that he started writing the poems as a way to help himself through his own personal struggles.

"In 2012, I realized that I had PTSD and I've had it for over forty years. So my life was actually not the life I wanted, it was the life PTSD gave me. And I realized I lost a marriage, I lost friends, I lost everything. But now came the opportunity to start anew."

"My book gives hope to others and it's good for me to know I can help others too."

 

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