topic Trauma Dreams in PTSD and trauma

Trauma Dreams

JustAnYtka — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 22:33:11 GMT

Hiya, I haven't been here in a while because I haven't needed it but this morning I had a dream that involved some trauma from a few years ago.

I don't know why it happened but its made me confused and quite frankly scared. Why did it happen after 2 years of not having any trauma dreams? I can think of no triggers.

The dream was so vivid that I woke up in Fight, drenched in sweat and terrified, also feeling guilty. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks,

Bee

Re: Trauma Dreams

Croix — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 13:30:23 GMT

Dear Bee~

Welcome back. As someone with PTSD for a long time I find that sometimes dreams of past incidents can occur, and they can be vivid and upsetting.

They also seem to have a lingering effect which is most unpleasant. I try not to just lie there and think about the dream - or the event - but instead get my mind out of that particular set of thoughts by getting up, having a shower and getting changed, then before going back ot bed maybe having a hot drink. Physical change can lead to a mind change, it can be worth the effort.

If I can think of something pleasant as I go back - perhaps the cat all curled up snoozing - that can help too.

The dreams sometimes come on becuse something or someone has reminded me of an event, sometimes because I'm stressed or upset about something else entirely, and sometimes for no reason I can identify -they just happen.

The good news is as time goes on they become less and less frequent, and easier to deal with. I'm no longer frightened of having them as a result. They are just a nuisance I have to deal with now and again.

If you are still seeing you psych you might like to mention it, see how you go.

Croix

Re: Trauma Dreams

geoff — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 21:29:04 GMT

Hello Bee, I wish I could answer your question but the mind is so crazy at times because I dream of people that have passed away many years ago and it happens just of the blue.

Psychologists have their own interruption, it's whether you want to believe them if they still persist.

Geoff.

Life Member.