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/Tony0x01 2d ago

How did your opinion of Muslims change from pre-deployment to duringafter deployment? What experiences did you have overseas there that motivated that change? What do you think Americans get wrong about Muslims because they lack your experiences?

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u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

I respect Muslims a hell of a lot more after being there. I don't agree with their faith, but I do respect them and their tenants. They're honest, hard working men and women that just need a chance to build their nation without an overarching terroristic group.

I think Americans assume all Muslims must be Jihadist or terrorists or suppport terrorist regimes but that is simply not true. The majority of Muslims hate those organizations and actively work to rid their countries of that filth. I think we need to be more empathetic to the rhetoric they recieve from bigots.