Constant nightmares and sense of dread

[Awhina24]

Hi all I'm having a really tough time at the moment 😔

For the last couple of weeks I've been having nightmares almost all night, waking up drenched in sweat and shaking. The nightmares are mainly focused around war starting, nuclear bombs dropping or the world basically ending in various ways.

The sense of dread stays with me throughout the day, I'm really struggling to hold myself together and break down in tears a lot. I've stopped reading the news (reading one article about nuclear war seemed to trigger this) but all day I just feel like I'm waiting for it to happen. I'm terrified for my son's future and extremely scared that if bombs don't destroy the world then climate change will.

I spend hours trying to calm myself down, I've talked to a therapist through telehealth who mainly focused on me being homesick (I'm a Kiwi living in Aus with no family here) and gave me some breathing exercises. It helped a little to talk but now a few days later I'm a nervous wreck again. It's really effected my life and ability to function, last week my husband had to do basically everything at home and take time off work as I was a shaking mess.

My doctor has suggested trying meds, I took one and it knocked me out for the whole day, having a 3 year old to look after means I cannot risk being so out of it and I cannot take any time of work to try get through the initial side effects.

I really don't know what to do at this point. I'm so scared that humanity is going to destroy itself and I can't stop these horrible thoughts and nightmares.

[sbella02]

Hi Awhina24,

Thank you so much for posting, and I warmly welcome you to the forums. I'm so sorry to hear about your experience. I know how terrifying nightmares can be sometimes, as they can feel so real and can leave lasting, real-life effects. 

Have you had a chat to your doctor (or another doctor) about being referred to either a psychologist, sleep specialist, or both? People who specialise in treating sleep problems may be able to offer you some personalised and professional advice or coping mechanisms for both your nightmares and the subsequent feelings that are impacting you throughout the day. They may also help you establish what exactly may be triggering your nightmares, if you do not already know. 

I know that you mentioned your family does not live here, but do you have any other people close to you who are living here who you'd feel comfortable confiding in? Sometimes it can help to have a chat to others in your life, talking about these kinds of things can make us feel safe and supported. 

I wish you all the best, and please feel free to continue chatting with us if you need more support, we're here for you.

Take care, SB

[Petal22]

Hi Awhina24,

Im so sorry you are feeling this way, I understand how hard it is.

Nightmares can be really tough and then if the after effects still linger on the next day with feelings of anxiety the days can be long and tough to get through.

I understand the sense of dread it’s a really horrible feeling…… I also use to feel this way, I learned that this feeling was from my severe anxiety I always felt as though I was running from something.

Im sorry to hear that your symptoms may be causing you distress I understand because that’s what mine did to me some days I found it hard to function it was hard.

I knew I couldn’t endure what I was going through alone so I seeked professional help I went on antidepressant and did therapy.

My antidepressant did cause me to feel tired but this symptom did improve over time I understand it’s hard when we have a young child while we are going through this…. But I believed that I needed to do what I needed to do so I could recover and then fully be there for my child in a more present sense.

Do you have anyone close to you who could be with you and your child while you tried to intervene with what you are going through? 

If you did decide to try medication again maybe some one could help you out for a little while until you adjusted?

I believe medication and therapy go hand in hand…… 

I learned alot of skills and strategies for my anxiety from a clinical psychologist.

I understand you want to stop the thoughts but the trick is to allow them to be there and then float away on their own accord… I know it’s hard…..

Hang in there we are here as a community to support you.

[geoff]

Hello Awhina, it is awful having these terrible dreams/thoughts, especially when you have a three year old to look after.

Starting a medication can make anyone anxious, but usually the doctor will start you off on a low dosage so that you 'won't be knocked out all day'.

There is so much to worry about these days and I remember my grandmother saying that years ago and in twenty years it probably will be no different, but we are only a small clog in the aspects of the world and any decision regarding what happens in the world won't change because of how we think, because tomorrow is just another day.

Our own thoughts are still very important, but as a single person we don't have any choice, because there is always an alternative.

Just as my grandmother said, I too am worried about my two small granddaughters, but hopefully they will grow up in another generation facing problems that may be far greater than what we worry about but will adapt.

Geoff.

Life Member.

[Awhina24]

Unfortunately I don't have anyone else close that is available regularly to help me with my son, just my husband and he cannot really take much more time off work either. He's already doing so much.

The therapist I spoke to is a psychologist that I found on telehealth, the doctor wrote a referral to her, there isn't really anyone in my area available face to face and I also rarely get to see the same doctor unless I am able to wait weeks for an appointment. Even the psychologist only has availability every 4 weeks.

The medication I was given which I struggled to adjust to in the past, it makes me so drowsy I can barely function. I've also been on another med before for depression, I recall being drowsy on that too. I also have a 3rd med for short term use.

I feel like I don't have many options right now for help and I feel really alone and scared. 

[Petal22]

I understand Awina24 it’s difficult when we have a little one to look after while experiencing what you are currently experiencing.

Im sorry you are feeling alone and scared but please know your not alone… we are here as a community to support you please reach out to us anytime.

I want you to know that what you are currently experiencing is temporary and you will get through this…. Really….you will, it may take time but please hold onto hope because there are rainbows after every storm in life.

You are important, I understand that it may take you time to get gp appointments but I believe that you may need to go back to your gp….. If you wanted to try medication again maybe you could ask if there is a night time medication available….as Geoff has mentioned maybe ask if you can start on a smaller dose…. If you want to.

In regards to your phycologist you could try Telehealth again if you want to, and explain you may need to see someone more regularly….. 

Can I ask if you have ever tried meditation? It’s very helpful for relaxation I like to do this before sleep.

Please try to remember to slow down your breathing…… remember your breath is always there follow it ….. use it as your anchor.

Our beautiful kind and caring Beyond Blue councillors are available 24/7 please feel free to call them anytime.

Phone 1300 224 636