The way I deal with nightmares is find the meaning in them. The subconscious mind is telling us something that needs to be dealt with.

Just like when you are awake and you have a bad memory or feeling, you face it and move on. In dreams you do the same thing. Face them, figure out what they mean and then move on. I am able to find meaning within an hour and then I'm over it.

Some of the very bizarre ones may stick around a little longer but they don't freak me out like they used to. (PM me and I will send some to you and then maybe you will see how disturbing mine were and I over came them)

Once a person practices at any given sport or new skill that they have never tried before they will be able to learn it better each time they practice it, or maybe even master it. Then the next time they have to practice the sport, it gets easier for them and they are more coordinated, and confident in their ability to be good at it. Same is true about learning what your dreams are telling you. If you stick with it long enough you may become a pro. But you will never know until you try.

I know I've said this over and over but I used to be plagued with nightmares and bizarre dreams 3-5 times a week that would linger for days and weeks. It doesn't happen anymore. I have a nightmare maybe once a month or every other month and bizarre dreams are few and far between. I've learned to control my dreams too.

For instance, last week when I was overwhelmed because I was giving my MIL a birthday party. The night before the party I had a dream I drove off a cliff and landed in murky water and the car sank. I panicked for about a second and then said the car will float back to the top and I will get out. That was the end of the dream and cars generally do NOT float back to the top.

I've taken weapons out of my attackers hands and walked away without them chasing me many times. That never happened prior to facing my nightmares. I've been in dream groups for over 3 years and every person I have spoke to that was plagued with nightmares has been able to overcome them by working with their dreams. Maybe it won't work for you, but why not give it a try instead of being upset about it.

I think most want to complain about their nightmares but not educate themselves on them, and do the work in fixing them. If you educate yourself on PTSD, the sub illnesses, and flashbacks why not educate yourself on nightmares too, because it is after all, part of the symptoms that relate to the illness. Yes, it takes time and work, but all of the time it takes in learning to heal has benefits in the end, and the pay off is worth it.

Anything worth having never comes easy. Most of you know I have a dream group but not many has been posting lately. Give up on it and I assure you the nightmares will return until you have found another way to get a grip on them, or your trauma.

Carry on!
Tammy