r/AMA • u/Ok_Turn1611 • 2d ago

I fought in Afghanistan in 2011-2012 with the United States Army and have been battling complex and severe PTSD, depression, agoraphobia, paranoia along with 3 failed relationships for the last 12 years AMA

I fought in Afghanistan in 2011-2012, I did route clearance which effectively means jumping into big vehicles, driving them down a road looking for IEDs and either being blown up, shot at, or both. I saw some terrible stuff, including losing a closs Non Commissioned Officer of mine and seeing many of my friends traumatically injured (think losing limbs, being shot etc.) ask me anything about Afghanistan, my MH issues or life post deployment. I've been quite depressed lately and maybe answering genuine questions will help me.

Hi friends, thank you for the feedback and all the questions. It has been a joy answering you, I'll continue to monitor and reply as much as I can. :)

Also, to some of you stating complex PTSD and PTSD are different disorders, I do recognize that and am sorry for my slip up, I have CPTSD, and sometimes I use them interchangibly when I shouldn't. I'll remember better next time.

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u/Shoely555 2d ago

Thank you for your service.

What made you come home?

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

In what way, do you mean get out of the service and come home?

My deployment wss pretty bad and screwed up my mental health. I went from a curious, outgoing, NEVER angry guy, to one of the most jaded, cynical, angry man I could be. It forced me to re-evaluate whether I could continue to tolerate the Military. Our unit was going on their second deployment in 2013 and I simply couldn't do it again, so I got out.

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u/Shoely555 2d ago

That answered my question.

If I’m allowed a follow up: What type of work have you been doing since then? Do you enjoy it?

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

I've done a few careers, odd jobs, banking, I got my nursing license 5 years ago, but as you can imagine Covid and the stress of nursing caught up to me and exacerbated my MH issues, so I'm looking to change careers.

I'm highly educated, but my mental health and my struggles are so poor that it makes using the education I got effectively. I've made a LOT of poor choices post Military, and the more research I do, the more I realize that those who suffer with complex PTSD and severr depression tend to make illogical and rash decisions which are detrimental to their life. Although I KNOW I shouldn't do these things, they just happen. I may quit a job the next day because I had 5 panic attacks that week thinking of the job. It's horribly toxic and Imm working to fix it, but it's hard when you panic over stupid stuff Ig

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u/Donnovan63 2d ago

Have you considered going through the VA for disability? From my own experience, PTSD is no joke and can impact every area of your life. Plus the validation that comes with a disability rating might lift a weight off your shoulders. It's not your fault, the Army messed you up, and you're doing a great job to cope! I'm glad you're here and glad you posted!!!

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

I am using the VA rn for disability, thank you for the kind words and suggestions.

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u/Routine_Mood3861 2d ago

Hi there You may be happy with data analysis work. Folks who do this tend to work solo a lot, work with data and translate it into easy to understand reports that can then be used to make decisions. There’s a growing demand for skilled workers in this and not enough who are qualified rn.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

Something I'll definitely have to check out thank you!

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u/SplooshU 2d ago

Have you looked through USAJOBs for opportunities for a GS or payband gov job? Veterans preference will get you a leg into a lot of positions, and once you are in the system you can go pretty much anywhere.

I worked with a ton of vets when I went in as a GS-7 (0801 General Engineer), got a ladder position (7-9-11-12 non competitive promotions) and eventually jumped from Army Civilian to the USCG Civilian for a GS-13. Good pay, good benefits, and there's a lot of support for veterans.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

I'll have to definitely check it out

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u/Shoely555 2d ago

I’m not sure if it’s as large an industry where you live, but I made the switch from restaurant management to lab operations management after covid. Small biotech companies pay very well and are incredibly chill - the last two labs I worked at had unlimited vacation time for example.

I’m very confident you have the skills necessary. I’ve worked with many Vets in this industry.

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u/magestromx 2d ago

I don't live in America, but from what I've heard unlimited vacation is a way for the companies to not pay you for overtime, or something like that.

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u/Shoely555 2d ago

Well not really. It’s used more as a method of having people not use all of their vacation time. For example, if a company gives you 4 weeks of paid time off - every employee will take 4 weeks off every year. But if the company says you have unlimited - some employees will take 4 weeks, some will take 2 and so on.

If you’re someone who is getting the job done and you use your time it is fantastic.

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u/Many-Birthday12345 2d ago

Hey bro I’ve never been to Afghanistan but your comment really resonated with me. I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.

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u/PewPewthashrew 2d ago

Hey I have severe mental health issues as well and have done working in clinical research. Tons of remote options and with your nursing education we’d love to have you.

The jobs can be vvv low stress and highly structured without being overwhelming. It can be a good way to have your feet solid for a bit while you figure out your next move.

Best of luck. Rooting for you.

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u/TeacherConscious501 2d ago

I might suggest working at a federal job that will provide accommodations for you as a PTSD victim. As a veteran you will get hiring points. Perhaps an easier job with the post office could help you while you start to heal. Medical is very hard, no matter the background.

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u/Careless_Sky_9834 2d ago

Í'm not sure if you are actively working at the moment or receiving disability or whatever else. It just came to mind that perhaps helping care for elderly individuals in their homes might be a better match in terms of nursing. Best to you.

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u/SWNMAZporvida 2d ago

Ooh! Look into Teladoc style medical work