Surviving PTSD & moral injury: How an Afghanistan veteran breaks the silence on mental illness

A vast majority of people will have to deal with one or more traumatic events in their lives. A portion of them will experience post-traumatic symptoms. These are often short-lived but some people develop a post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). The fight against PTSD is an extremely tough but often invisible battle, for both the person who suffers from it and the people around them.

Both heartbreaking and hopeful. 'Surviving PTSD & Moral Injury' tells Erik's personal story, who was traumatised during his deployment in Afghanistan where he worked as an operating theatre assistant. In a raw and gripping manner he describes the events that would lead to his PTSD and the crushing impact it has on a person and on those around them. Erik pulls no punches in describing how he became isolated, slowly breaking down until suicide seemed to be the only option he had left. As a veteran, a medic, but above all as a human being he tells us how he battled with himself and his memories and how is now living his life fully again. His story provides recognition, acceptance and hope for people who have PTSD, but also for their partners, families and friends. Erik's story is personal, insightful and inspiring.

Erik has a new mission now he is home again. He wants to touch and inspire others with his story and raise awareness for working through trauma and PTSD.



Round the clock assisting in war surgery got to him. He went from aid worker to victim when he was confronted by his PTSD some years later. This realistic book shows his battle and how he got back up after he hit rock bottom. I am proud of him. General Tom Middendorp, Netherlands Chief of Defence (ret.)

Erik Krikke (1976) is a husband, a father of two and a veteran. For over 13 years he served in the army as a medic and operating room nurse. In 'Surviving PTSD & moral injury - How an Afghanistan veteran breaks the silence on mental illness' he openly describes the impact of war in a raw and gripping way.