sleep terror

If there is a pychology specialist reading this, I would appreciate some insights.

I've been having a repetitive dream (started a few years ago, comes every few months. Some minor details may change but it's always more or less the same: I'm in distress, there's great fear and pain, I can't move, I'm raped. I want to stand up, turn on the light but I'm unable to move. And then I think 'just wait it out, it will be over soon'.

In real life I wasn't raped, but because of that dream I started to think that maybe it happened but I was too young to understand it and maybe I blocked it out but it comes back in my subconsciousness. I guess it could be so because the idea of rape, the fear of it has accompanied me from the very early stages when I didn't even really know what sex was (no knowdledge of penetration, just a man on top of the woman, that's how I feared it). I have also very low self esteem which I shouldn't because I always had support from my parents with whom I'm very close, I've had some successes in my life. Yet, I always feel worse then everybody.

I'm ashamed to talk about it with someone in person, but it worries me that something may have happened long time ago and I feel very low when I think about it. I'm sorry if my my language isn't very good, english isn't my mother tongue

Hi raspberrygirlmaja...I only joined PC 3 months ago, but already I have recieved really constructive feedback and made some amazing contacts and friends. For anyone going through a hard time or those just wanting to reach out and have a chat.......this is the place.

I have terrible anxiety when trying to fall asleep, as I too have the type of nightmare you describe. I dont experience it too often (thank goodness), but when they come they are very very hard to forget. I would descride them as an evil entity sitting on my chest pressing down on me while whispering softly to me, I can't move or scream as the harder I try the tighter it presses on me. It is absolutely horrifying because it truly feels like I'm awake during this. When I finally break away and become completely conscious I can never go back to sleep.....too scared it will return.

I had them many times when I was very young, I am now in my 40's and get them probably about 3-4 times a year. I have since discovered that these nightmares are refered to as 'sleep paralysis' and are universal. Every culture has a different name for them, but a common name in western culture is 'The Hag'. There is a lot of information online about this.

As you would agree these are not just everday nightmares, they are extremely frightening and telling you that they are universaly common probably doesn't help you much, but might help you understand them more.

Welcome to PC raspberrygirlmaja. Wishing you only the sweetest of dreams from now on

Q.L

Hello, Quarter life, thank you for your reply. I will read about it more. It is terrifying, especially when sleeping alone or alone at home. I always turn on the light and it stays on till morning. Makes me feel silly, like a child scared of darkness.

Thank you and wish you only peaceful dreams