VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- The American pastor who was recently released from Turkey says he suffered a breakdown during his time in prison and was put on anti-anxiety medication. 

• Andrew Brunson says he's still processing the trauma of the past years
• He was convicted of terrorism charges 
• RELATED: NC Pastor Released from Imprisonment in Turkey, Meets with President

Andrew Brunson said Friday that he's still processing the trauma of the past two years. The pastor who had led a small congregation in Turkey was convicted of terrorism charges and sentenced to three years in prison earlier this month. But he was freed and allowed to leave for the two years he had already spent in custody. 

Brunson said he was deprived of books and even a Bible for long stretches of time. He says that he spent 24 hours a day in a cell with more than 20 men for eight months. He says the worst of it was the uncertainty before his release.