Dreams while on antidepressants

[geoff]

we all have dreams, but what I want to talk about is when we are taking antidepressants that most of our dreams are about people who we may not have seen for years and all of a sudden we dream about them and normally in unusual circumstances, so when we are in depression then this automatically starts the day off badly, whereas when we have overcome this illness we can just fob them off as being stupid dreams and take NO notice of them, or we may laugh at them, and still wonder why they involve people from years ago, but it doesn't affect our mood. Geoff.

[geoff]

Thanks Tim.

Geoff.

[Quercus]

Thank you Geoff and Tim for your replies and ideas, much appreciated.

I found just finding your thread and seeing others experience changes too helped me Geoff.

Tim thanks. Dream analysis is something I've always found interesting so I'm not taking the dreams literally thank goodness.

It simply disturbs me how real they are and what I feel it suggests about me as a mother even though I remind myself this is exhaustion and depression speaking.

A few nights ago I was pretty sick physically and kept dragging myself out of bed to check our kids to be sure they were breathing. I dream I fail them and they die.

It makes me feel revolting because I'm frustrated and angry at my kids in reality all the time. A common thought that keeps creeping in is wanting so badly to just leave forever to have some quiet and rest. It makes the suicidal thoughts worse even though I know lots of Mums struggle with this and I'm somewhat normal.

At heart I know the solution is a better support network. But the usual options others suggest just don't exist for us.

So I dream. And remind myself it is ok. And dream. Vicious cycle.

Thank you both.

[quince]

Quirkus - I hope you're doing okay. Bad dreams are awful and I hope the cycle has settled for you a little. x

This thread took my interest because, whoa, I have had the most intense dreams the past year! I'm interested in knowing whether other people get this.

I think this started around the time I started a new antidepressant, so I'm assuming it's a side effect, but I truly have remembered dreams every night (except one) for the past year. It is full on, and every day I get memories of dreams I've had months before. They all seem to be thinly veiled metaphors for my life/failings/stressors, and to be honest, it's quite tiring. I feel like I've woken up having just run a marathon.

If anyone else gets this, I'd be really interested to know. And is there anything that helps? Meditation before bed perhaps?

[geoff]

Hello Quince, goodness me, this thread is 6 years old and well done for resurrecting it, because I've always wanted to have a camera going in my room, only because the sheets, as well as the blankets, end up in an unimaginable way, all over the place.

I have no answers for you Quince, I'm sorry, maybe someone else might as this topic is very interesting.

Best wishes.

Geoff.