[Alexandria04]

I used to never dream about my abuse or even really the people that were involved in it, but now that I am going to therapy and thinking about this stuff on a more regular basis it seems like my subconscious is going crazy with it. I keep having uncomfortable dreams about the abuse, does anybody know of a way to get these to go away? Or am I just stuck with them since they are dreams? I know we don't really have much control over our dreams and our unconscious, but if anyone has some tips that have worked for them I would certainly appreciate it, thanks.

[Perna]

You don't want them to go away; that you are dreaming about them and remembering the dreams means you are doing well with bringing them into your consciousness and freeing up that energy/space. Eventually (hopefully) you'll work the abuse through in therapy with your T and the bad feelings and dreams, etc. will not occur like they do now and you'll be "free" and have energy and space for living now. "Look forward" to such dreams, it means you're working hard and doing well. As you said, they're just dreams, albeit very uncomfortable ones when you're dreaming them (and later, working with them).

[foreverhis97]

iDoubt You Can Make Dreams Just "go away" ,
Try And Think About It & Idunno Find Inner Peace
Or Try And Fiight You Demons, Or Maybe
Think Of Something Relaxing,
To You Know Take Your Mind Off Thing ?

Hope iHelped ;; Love And Peace(:

[ilovecustard]

Have you ever talked to anyone about the abuse? Maybe you need to get it out. Also are you on any medication that could be causing excessive dreaming?

I find if I think about something before I go to bed I often dream about it. Are you worrying about having these dreams as you fall asleep? Maybe that is making it worse. Try to fall asleep watching a upbeat movie or tv programme, or listening to some relaxing music. Maybe try some herbal sleeping tablets.

I know how exhausting dreaming can be, but I am sure that this is your brain's way of dealing with the abuse and ultimately it will be helping you to deal with it.

[Gr3tta]

Hi Alexandria,
I agree with Perna that this may in fact be a good thing, a sign your brain is working through these things. Sometimes things on your mind subconciously can pop up in your dreams, and may even provide you with some revelations. You might want to keep a dream diary, write down what happened as soon as you wake, and discuss it with your therapist.
There are also a few things you can try to combat these bad dreams. One, if you are able to realize you are dreaming while it's happening, you could try to direct the outcome. Imagine your abusers shrinking into tiny gnats, then step on them. Or tell them off, grow wings, and fly away. Another thing you can try is to concentrate really hard on something you would like to dream about while you're trying to fall asleep. You might say to yourself, I am going to dream about building sand castles by the ocean. Think of all the details, the colours of your beach towel, the sound of the waves, the trusted friend who is there with you, the feel of the warm sand in your fingers. Sometimes this can help direct your mind to focus on something pleasant as you enter the dream state.
I often have very vivid and scary nightmares. You are not alone in experiencing this. Sometimes the things I suggested work for me, sometimes they don't. The most important thing, I think, is to remind yourself firmly upon waking that it was just a dream. You are not in that situation anymore, you are safe now.
Thank you for sharing this, I hope you can find some relief.
~Emma

[just2b]

i was involved in a sleep study for ptsd. i was taught if u have reoccurring dreams u can change them to have a more comfortable ending. you have to write out ur dream in first person...then change the parts that u dont like...read it before going to bed...if u have the same dream it should be different now.