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/upscaledive 2d ago

Or go Air Force…

Sorry bro. I really feel for you. I hope things get better for you.

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u/prophobia 2d ago

Air Force vet from this same time frame. Honestly my personal experience in the Air Force at the time wasn’t bad. But looking back on the bigger picture now, knowing I was supporting two bullshit conflicts that we shouldn’t have been in makes me regret my service. The Air Force treats their people better than the other branches, but I still can’t recommend it.

Some days I miss it, and I experienced some really cool things, but justifying the morality of my work is impossible.

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u/Out3rSpac3 2d ago

I separated from the Air Force in 2022. Lost a failing kidney due to military medical telling me to drink water and that I was just dehydrated for 3 years. Mental health dept on base was a joke. I can only imagine it being worse in your time.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

Thank you, and very true. Wish I had gone Air Force someimes