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Ryn.Beetle

Updated 10mo ago

How to Overcome Traumatic Nightmares?

Any advice on how to overcome nightmares of traumatic events?

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iconically_ill

2y

The only thing I know of is working on processing your trauma in therapy... If you can't do that or just need something temporary while you're doing the work, (this isn't a proven method by any means) but I used to put on audio books or meditation podcasts to sleep with in hopes it would keep my brain occupied while I slept. It won't solve the root problem though.
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Ryn.Beetle

2y

thank you very much, I'm willing to try anything at this point until I'm able to start therapy again. I really appreciate you taking your time to help me and give me advice
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Blondieswag

2y

Personally, I was given advice that in my nightmares I had to address the person responsible for the evilness in my dreams. It was hard for me at 1st...took me a long time. But it works! And the traumatic events that happened I have to use grounding statements as soon as I wake up or if I get flashbacks...like I'm okay, I'm not hurt, I see white walls, blue carpet, or whatever I see by looking around the room, I smell.... i hear.... etc etc.
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Ryn.Beetle

2y

thank you for your advice and for taking the time. I don't have much lucidity in my dreams and I find them very vivid so I often have trouble doing what I want, but I can see how it would help to face that person and stand up for myself like I should have in the past. I'm definitely willing to try becoming the dream warrior I've been needing.
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bouncyroo11

2y

I've been dealing with this for a very long time. I definitely would say I have chronic nightmares that are due to trauma. The things that help me the most are meditation before bed and I realize that some of my medication actually causes nightmares so I stopped taking those. But yeah I definitely recommend for preventative measures to use a meditation before bed my favorite is "the honest guys" on YouTube.. if you just had the nightmare I recommend giving yourself reassurance and thinking about how the dream should have gone in a better way. That's what they recommend military people do for their nightmares. I also use cannabis after if my nightmare is bad enough.
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Ryn.Beetle

2y

thank you so much for your advice and for taking the time. I also use cannabis for my nightmares as well as for my chronic pain and it helps more than any pharmaceuticals ever did. I actually had to stop taking all medications due to bad side effects. I'm definitely willing to try meditation, I have a loose hold on my unconscious mind and would like to gain some control to stop these nightmares.
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jvango788

2y

I have had nightmares for a long while or I did. I tried all non pharmaceutical ways to not have them. Nothing worked. My psychiatrist put me on prazosin and they went completely away. The only bad part was when I thought I could get off them because I was healing well but they returned once I stopped. If no other therapeutic methods don’t work maybe you could try that.
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soul_seraching

2y

I get horrible nightmares from time to time from my past relationships and I have to use my unconscious mind when sleeping to remind myself that time in my life is over and reality check myself while a sleep. Example iam happily married now and if he isn't in my dream as my hero I know iam experience a nightmare.
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soul_seraching

2y

Maybe while awake identify your safe person. Nightmares are based on thoughts we fall asleep with or having in our unconscious mind.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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