'Like therapy to me': Afghan vet writes book to help overcome war trauma

WhenJocelyn Dmtrcouldn't bring himself to speak about his experiences in the Afghan war, his therapist suggested writing it down instead.

"It was like therapy for me," hesaid. "I feel better today, really better. It was like night and day."

Dmtr, 42, was deployed for two eight-monthtours in Afghanistan in 2007-2008 and 2010-2011. When he returned to civilian life in Gatineau, he started to suffer fromintermittent explosive disorder, a conduct and impulse disorder that makes it difficult to manage aggression.

After seven months of writing his experiences down, theretired Canadian Armed Forces captain said he started to notice a difference.

"Without the writing, I don't think I would have gone as deep as I did," he said. "I passed through. It's over now. It's behind me."

But his therapist seemed to think his writings could help others as well.

"At the end of my therapy, my therapist told me 'You just wrote a book.'"

Helping other veterans

Dmtr resolved to publish his writings and usethe funds to help other veterans.

The book, Sunray 21, a reference to his military call sign, was launched in Septemberand has sold 10,000 copies at Canadian Tire stores in the region of west Quebec.

All proceeds have gonetoward the Canadian Tire's Jumpstart Foundation for families in need and toDmtr'sownHro Foundation, which supports veterans.

Dmtr said he hopes the book enablesother veterans to open up about their experiences and helpsCanadians to understand the Afghan War.

"It's not my book. It's a Canadian book. It is part of the Canadian story," he said.

"I think they will realize how hard it was on people overseas."

He pointedto the fact that nearly as manyveterans have committed suicide since returning from the war as have died in actual combat in Afghanistan.

"It's hard to read. Iadvise people it is not an easy book," he said, adding that he has refused to sell it to young people during promotional events.

The book has now been published in English and he hopes to start selling it in Ontario soon.