One interpretation for dreams is that strangers represent elements of your subconscious and people you know represent elements you are consciously aware of.

It perhaps feels a bit less awful to think of it in this way. It could have been a representation that you have some heavy feelings or repressed memories that you're trying to avoid or destroy.

The dreams with the people you knew could have been the same except they would represent feelings or beliefs you were consciously trying to destroy.

Just one way of looking at it. I hope the journaling helps. I've been working more with my subconscious lately and I've been keeping track of my dreams. It is always an adventure.