Tofte photographer hopes to help PTSD sufferers

From a young age, John Schaefers, of Tofte and Annandale, Minn., has found comfort in taking pictures.

A Navy veteran, Schaefers knows many veterans, as well as law enforcement personnel, firefighters and emergency medical service workers, struggle with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.  He would like to help.

Schaefers says he has learned that being in nature can bring a sense of peace for many PTSD sufferers. But he also knows not everyone can spend time in the wilderness or among wild animals. For that reason, he has compiled a collection of photographs specifically designed to bring those natural images to mind. 

He has created a full-color, 70-page booklet, that includes rivers and lakes; butterflies and bears; trees and flowers and more. In addition to the book, which can be ordered online, anyone interested can download a copy of the book to be viewed on any device at any time. 

For more information on the PTSD booklet or John Schaefers' work, visit his website PTSDgethelp.com.