[WhyIsItAlwaysMe]

Hello,

I've been having horrible nightmares about my abuse for the past month and a half (of a month) about abuse a year and a half (of a year) ago. The dreams are awful so I've avoided sleeping. Last night got some sleep in exchange for a nightmare. I'm also very depressed because of this. Any help?

I think talking about it is one of the better ways to help cope with nightmares.
I also think using grounding techniques can help a lot with nightmares.

I tried looking up some techniques for you, but all I found were techniques for SA.

Grounding techniques for SA survivors

One techniques that my T tells me that when I am waking up from a nightmare/having problems getting to sleep I should try tensing up each muscle in my body, telling myself, for example, "My feet are heavy and warm" and repeat that until my feet truly feel heavy and warm. Then work my way up the rest of my body until I come back to the room.

[too SHy]

Originally Posted by WhyIsItAlwaysMe

Hello,

I've been having horrible nightmares about my abuse for the past month and a half (of a month) about abuse a year and a half (of a year) ago. The dreams are awful so I've avoided sleeping. Last night got some sleep in exchange for a nightmare. I'm also very depressed because of this. Any help?

I too have horrific nightmares, screaming in my sleep, etc. I take Prasosin which cleared it up unless I blow off my meds they come right back. maybe you could ask about this drug?

Prasosin was brilliant for me too. I only took it for a few months and no longer need it. Coping techniques should always be your first port of call though.

[WhyIsItAlwaysMe]

Ok. Any coping techniques you'd recommend to me. I was Psychically abused...

[Open Eyes]

(((WhyIsItAlwaysMe))),

I am so sorry that you are having these nightmares. Have you tried medication to help you sleep better? Are you getting therapy?

(((Caring Hugs)))
OE

[WhyIsItAlwaysMe]

Soon all of these things, right now I have no help. I hope to have a T appt soon...

[Open Eyes]

Ok, its important that you find a good T because you really need "validation and to be comforted". We are all designed to be unsettled with something we experienced that was "bad" to "need to talk about it and "tell" and have others listen, believe us, validate us and comfort us as much as we need. When we get that, we can begin to feel relief and have a sense of "calm" again and the nightmares subside.

Often when people struggle like this they feel it is wrong somehow and they also feel "alone" with this challenge. However, restless sleep and nightmares are a normal "human response" to trauma or experiencing something that threatens "sense of safety". By talking about it and finding ways to have your brain realize that the "threat is over and you are going to be ok and you have learned from it" you will stop the nightmares that come "asking the same questions" and "await resolve".

((Hugs)))
OE

[lynatsunlakes]

Hello WIIAM...I too have been on Prazosin (Pra-zo-sin). I am a vet (USAF,female) and the VA has started using this. I had to "in-hospital" because it was originally intended as a blood pressure med and I already have pretty low BP. In using it for BP, they noticed a major decrease in nightmares, something many vets suffer from. I was started on 1mg. and it was gradually increased to 5mg. I have been told it is safe to go to 20mg., but because I have low BP already, 5mg. is really pushing it.
Give thought to the possibility of going on this WHILE you do therapy. Then you will get better rest (always a plus in dealing with mental health), and you will not fear sleeping. I do have difficulty for a while in the AM until my BP rises a bit, but the better sleep is worth it.
Hope this helps and gives you hope.