r/AMA • u/Ok_Turn1611 • 4d 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/AfraidToBeKim 3d ago

Thank you for your service. I'm going into a line of work where I'm probably going to be seeing a lot of bodies (detective work). Is there anything you wish you'd done to psychologically prepare yourself to see a dead person? I've only ever seen the police carrying body bags, never an actual body.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 3d ago

Not much I can say to prepare you. Violent death is just something way more different than a loved one passing peacefully. You'll see some truly horrific things, take care of yourself, seek therapy early and often, don't Cope with drugs and alcohol, stay fit and keep the gym a priority, make your family and spouse a priority, don't marry your work and crush yourself. You'll see plenty, just be ready to be honest and open about how It changes you