[mandazzle]

I can't stop memories of a new trauma from popping up into my mind. I haven't been sleeping much because of it... having strange dreams. I just want some peace for just a little bit! Does anyone have any tips?

[shezbut]

Are you working with a T? Seeing a pDoc for any medications, to help you make it through a decent night of sleep?

I do both ~ and that helps a bit. I was having frequent night terrors prior to the sleep med was introduced to my daily med diet. The night terrors are pretty rare now, which is a big improvement!

Gentle hugs to you...take care!

[mandazzle]

Originally Posted by shezbut

Are you working with a T? Seeing a pDoc for any medications, to help you make it through a decent night of sleep?

I do both ~ and that helps a bit. I was having frequent night terrors prior to the sleep med was introduced to my daily med diet. The night terrors are pretty rare now, which is a big improvement!

Gentle hugs to you...take care!

Yes I am working with my T on it and it is just very difficult right now because the trauma is new. I am currently on medication for sleep but even with it I am having a difficult time sleeping which I have never experienced before and I have been on this medication for a few years.
Thank you for the support.

[shezbut]

Perhaps talking about your new experience here could help you. Or writing about it & your emotions connected with the experience would help you. You don't necessarily have to share any of your writings with others ~ but it could help you work past the events by physically addressing the event. If you aren't keen on writing, maybe draw or paint a picture that addresses your emotions.

Other tips I can think of are avoiding caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, and heavy meals near bedtime. Exercise regularly, in the day time or early evening, as that helps us work through energy and thoughts. Write out thoughts that keep popping into your head as you try to sleep. Read a light book or magazine. Work on a crossword puzzle or word search. Listen to relaxing music, white noise, rainfall, coastal tide, etc. as you try falling asleep again.

(((mandazzle)))

[Gr3tta]

I think you already got some great advice from shezbut.

I just wanted to add that you may be able to set aside a particular time of day that is the least inconvenient for you to concentrate on memories. You can plan that from x o'clock to y o'clock you are going to think, write, draw, paint, sing, whatever helps you process. During that time you try to remain mentally open to new memories. Then at y o'clock you tell your own mind that you're done for the day. If new memories resurface at other times, you do everything you can to dismiss them until the next x o'clock.
The idea is that, over time, you train your mind to stop just springing things on you at unsafe tims, and also allow yourself better access to memories at more appropriate times.
I hope things will get better very soon. Thank you for sharing here.