[salukigirl]

About 5 years ago I was in an abusive relationship. Once I finally left I had nightmares constantly as well as hypervigilance. I have been in therapy since then and within the last year my therapist released me and said I was well enough to work through the rest on my own.

So these nightmares have always been the same. I'm standing outside, my ex pulls up, comes over and just starts pummeling me. Sometimes he kills my dog but inevitably he always beats me and then takes me away and that's when I wake up sweating.

Well over the last couple years they have started changing. After a while I started having them and they would start out the same way but in these I would fight back. I would still lose and my dog would still be hurt but I was fighting back.

Well a few months ago I had this same exact dream....started out the exact same way. Only this time I beat the living **** out of him. I'm talking I grabbed him and just went to town. Then I chased him out screaming and yelling and woke up feeling empowered.

Ever since then the dreams have stopped. Since that last dream I haven't felt any hypervigilance or any symptoms of PTSD. I feel like that was my mind's way of working through it and after more than 5 years I feel like I'm finally free. I have been waiting for this dream to happen again but it hasn't - I think I'm finally cured. Never ever thought this would happen.

wow, this is so cool! i had a dream once where i stood up to my dad (he's deceased) and said some stuff i'd always wanted to say in real life. i was really surprised by the dream but it sure was a relief.

[billieJ]

That's great, Saluki!! Funny, too, about you beating the dude. That is really tremendous! So that's how therapy is supposed to work! Congrats - a happy ending.

Good for you. I'm happy for you. I like when dreams help us overcome real life situations.
That's why I love dreams so much. You can overcome the odds in dreams.You can be whomever you want to be. I would choose to be a super hero in my dreams. That way I can straighten out all the messes in my own life.

[salukigirl]

Thanks so much everyone. It does feel pretty awesome. I'm glad I have everyone here to share it with

[wickedwings]

Totally awesome.

I had nightmares for 2 years straight once many years ago. What stopped them was Paxil. It was totally unexpected as I was taking it for depression. It even took care of my flashbacks.

[1oxbowgirl]

I only rarely have nightmares, but I have very colorful dreams where I am either proforming some kind of service or exploring and looking for something. I hate dreams that include the need to find a bathroom for a full bladder. Some of those are really strange, and thankful I always wake up before the deed is done.

I have PTSD, but all my flashbacks have accured in the daytime. However, I have learned when they happen to ask myself "what else is going on here?" And sometimes more pieces of my memory puzzle falls into place.

Salukigirl, It is so neat that in your dream you managed to start fighting back and then to win the battle. That is really cool. I am glad you are feeling so much better. 1Girl