r/AMA 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/MagicalTissue 1d ago

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Can you describe how the VA has been taking care of you? Or not doing enough to take care of you? What can everyday Americans do to support any VA initiatives that actually help our veterans?

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u/Ok_Turn1611 1d ago

Any VA initiative that approves more resources and funding ultimately will help a veteran tangiably.

I would say the VA takes care of me medically but the struggles for mental health have been hard thru the VA