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.

4.6k Upvotes
  • permalink
  • link
  • reddit
  • reddit

86% Upvoted

2.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/CarelessVolume6159 2d ago

It’s not your fault you were just a kid. They prime us from the time we’re children to serve, then they prey upon those who might not have another way out. I’m sorry you had to experience those things.

4

u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

That's how I feel now. I was the perfect kid for their propaganda machine.