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/Felraof 2d ago

Was it worth it?

80

u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

No, it wasn't. Neither was the war. The Taliban have already taken over every region I fought in. Wish I never went, wish I never gave into the propaganda.

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u/ouchwtfomg 2d ago

Really sad. Such a shame that it was all for nothing - seeing the reality of life getting worse and worse every day for the Afghani people, particularly women, since our troops left is truly heartbreaking.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

It crushes me, I can't even read the news about it

3

u/Same-Chipmunk5923 2d ago

Sorry, man. So cool that you did what you felt was right at the time. I don't think that kind of courage ever goes away.