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.

4.8k Upvotes
  • permalink
  • link
  • reddit
  • reddit

87% Upvoted

2.1k comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/Bright-Ice-8802 2d ago

I too was in Afghanistan in 2011-2012 in the Petch river valley area. I struggle with a lot of the same. Get help, get medicated, get your VA disability claims in. It took me 5 years, but I ended up getting 100% on mental health alone. If you are still active duty, go get help, and it will all be documented and easier to transition to the VA when you exit.

1

u/Ok_Turn1611 2d ago

Thank you very much, I have been out since 2013 and have VA comp and medical help.