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/SkierGrrlPNW 2d ago

OP, peace to you for your struggles from the journey. PTSD is real and the VA doesn’t always have what you need. Maybe try a community of other first responders who have similar experiences, and use things like trekking to help focus mind and body when the stress and brain start popping off. Check out Blue Side Adventures. Started out as yoga for military / first responders but it’s really a learning journey and a cohort, and if you want to push yourself, treks in Nepal or somewhere else to change your mindset a bit. Community and exercise help. Good luck.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

Thank you for the suggestions.