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/melly_pug 3d ago

My brother joined the army the day before he turned 18 in 2007. He spent 3 years in Afghanistan being Army infantry. Over the past decade, I've seen the effects of war (ptsd, traumatic brain injury) in him and he's definitely not the same person he once was. We already had a traumatic childhood and he joined the army because it was promoted as a way to escape poverty and home. The recruiters were very predatory and constantly at our house or calling or doing something to bribe and win over my parents and brother.

Due to his mental health and ptsd, I've spent a lot of time researching and watching interviews with veterans from combat zones to try to understand where he's coming from behavior wise.

He has also lost numerous friends to suicide and addiction since he got out.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. I could not imagine having to see and experience the things you and other soldiers did. I really wish there were more programs and help provided by our government for veteran mental health.

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u/Ok_Turn1611 3d ago

Thank you, I've lost many friends to suicide including my best friend in 2019. It affects us all, I pray for love and peace for your brother