Was it a dream?

[Rabbitgirlyy]

The dreams …. anyone else know what I mean.

I’ve been out of the relationship for a fair few years but the ptsd dreams are have are still horrific.

Sometimes I wake up sokeing wet with sweat and a sense of anxiety like somethings wrong.

Sometimes I can feel physically bruised.

Sometimes my ex could be lovely and I was the one in the wrong.

But sometimes it’s all of the above.

When I wake up I feel so odd. Like I’m back in that awful place even though I’m not. It can take me hours to get back to myself and know im safe.

Any advice? X

[minimeerkat]

its horrible when we have these dreams as like you say they can leave you feeling unsettled for quite some time
if there have been any triggers or as in my case working through the trauma with my counseller, this is when i find they are more likely to happen
she has stressed the importance of the hour or so leading up to when you go to bed, saying to make sure you are doing things that relax you as much as possible. ive also been given several exercise to do throughout the day (breathing etc) to also help calm the nervous system down
whether you want to try anything like this yourself to help, or at least try to find out if & what things might work for you to reduce them happening
these dreams are a normal part of ptsd & can be terrifying. but hopefully as time passes & you become stronger they will not be so frequent – and you will then find that if you do happen to have one at times they will not affect you to the degree they are now
sending a hug x

[Phenomenon]

Hey Rabbitgirlyy,

Omg yes! I had one of these last night. It was horrendous. I didn’t wake up sweating so mine was probably nothing in comparison but I couldn’t get back to sleep and had to switch the light on and journal my thoughts as a distraction. Sleep is starting to become a scary factor in my life. I’m so sorry that this is happening to you but hopefully it is a sign that you are healing. Together we are healing! I’ve been on fight/flight/freeze for such a long time and now I’m safe I just want to sleep it away. I’m exhausted! Don’t force sleep or put a pressure on yourself to sleep. Try and distract yourself or switch on a lamp, read a book or do something where you can get out of your head. If you can, maybe relax or have shorter naps in the day although I know this isn’t always possible. When you wake up feeling bruised could you rub a moisturiser into your skin and maybe get in touch with your senses? I’m just wondering if smelling the moisturiser and rubbing it in might ground you and help you to feel a little safer. Be kind to yourself. Try not to put a pressure on yourself to go back to sleep. Sorry I don’t have more advice.
Lots of self affirmation.

You are kind

You are worthy

You are love

Even if you don’t yet believe it. Like a mantra in your head. Let these words ring!

Take care, stay safe and I wish you all the best xx

[Author]

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