[Teacup381]

In the last couple of weeks, I've been experiencing several nightmares.

There is one in particular that is recurring, involving the man who sexually abused me throughout my childhood. I'm running through endless hallways and doors that resemble the homes I grew up in. I'm crying and trying my best to get away from him. No matter how hard I try, he always catches up with me. When I turn a corner, he's there. When I look behind me, he's there.

I always wake up crying and shaking uncontrollably. It's so terrifying. Most nights, I'm scared to sleep because I don't want to experience that. It feels so realistic and I feel so helpless. The nightmares affect me for days afterward; I'll have migraines and be so overtired and irritable and upset.

I don't have a psychiatrist or therapist yet. It's really hard to deal with this alone. I have my husband who tries to console me but I really need help with this.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi Teacup381

I understand this is a very difficult time for you.

I am glad you have your husband with you.

I think you are right, you need professional intervention to help you work through this.

There is professional support for you out there.

Please consider going to your doctor for a referal to a psychologist.

Look after yourself.

[Bluegrey]

That sounds horrible, ((Teacup)). I've had quite a few nightmares over the last year, and often feel the same way when I wake up as I did in the dream - it can last a long time. I think getting some professional help would be a good idea as I've certainly found it helpful, not just in terms of dealing with dreams but other stuff too.

My husband is also very helpful, but I get concerned for him as his own sleep is so disturbed sometimes (apparently I mumble and twitch and do muffled screams). I'm glad you too have a caring partner, having that sort of unconditional support makes such a difference.

Have you done any reading about the sort of reactions you're having? I found it helped a lot when I heard about emotional flashbacks and read up on trauma effects.

Hope you find some helpful advice here on PC.


Bluegrey

[Teacup381]

Originally Posted by Bluegrey

That sounds horrible, ((Teacup)). I've had quite a few nightmares over the last year, and often feel the same way when I wake up as I did in the dream - it can last a long time. I think getting some professional help would be a good idea as I've certainly found it helpful, not just in terms of dealing with dreams but other stuff too.

My husband is also very helpful, but I get concerned for him as his own sleep is so disturbed sometimes (apparently I mumble and twitch and do muffled screams). I'm glad you too have a caring partner, having that sort of unconditional support makes such a difference.

Have you done any reading about the sort of reactions you're having? I found it helped a lot when I heard about emotional flashbacks and read up on trauma effects.

Hope you find some helpful advice here on PC.


Bluegrey

I'm glad you've been able to get help since I understand how hard it is. I've been to a doctor who assessed me and I got diagnosed with PTSD, social anxiety and depression. That was back in December. She recommended some places to go for therapy but when I looked into them, they either had really long waiting periods or haven't been getting back to me. I'm going to my family doctor on Monday to tell him something else needs to be done.
It's just getting worse and worse.. I feel like I can barely function. I have school and soon work to deal with on top of this. I Feel so anxious all of the time. I don't know what to do

[Bluegrey]

I had to wait for a while before getting help too, and remember how frustrating it was. Are you on a waiting list at the moment? If not, it's worth at least putting your name down now, as it will cut down the waiting a little.

Has your doctor put you on any kind of medication? It might be worth considering if he hasn't, although it does take a while to kick in. I found it took the edge off things and at least made me able to function a bit better.

Another thing I've found helpful is breathing exercises - you've probably already come across this, but it really does help especially when panic is getting on top of you. Although it won't deal with the PTSD/social anxiety, it does help to feel a bit more in control of things.

I know how hard it is when you are desperate for help and it seems to be a long time in coming. If it helps to come here and vent a bit, that's fine, there are plenty of folk who will understand where you are coming from. I found it was also useful to think of the things I had achieved each day, no matter how small - getting up, having a shower, playing with the dog, anything really.

I hope some of this lot has helped a bit, Teacup - and also hope that your visit to the doctor on Monday goes really well.


Bluegrey

[Teacup381]

I will add myself to the waiting list on Monday.. It is 18 months for one of them I wanted to try to get help without medication but I've gotten a lot worse in a short period of time so I think I'm going to need to medicate. Thanks for your advice, I will try that about the small achievements