I too am experiencing a bout of vivid sometimes disturbing dreams lately, I think they are triggered from recent confrontations I've had with strangers because I rarely have dreams I remember and I've had them almost every night since those confrontations.

I did have a period of nightmares last year when I was on pain meds for a short time, and went away after discontinuing that certain med.
Are you on any medications at this time or throughout your life ?

If not and they are a pattern you've had naturally for a long time like your post says possibly talking with a therapist about them might uncover some of the roots of these unconscious scenarios your mind conjures up in your sleep. maybe it will give you tools to sort them out and be able to but them away or farther away from giving you the mental anguish.

Best wishes on putting this in check.