Repetitive Dream of Abuser Taking My Child

Thank you everyone. These suggestions are so helpful and appreciated. ❤️ it’s been a very rough week already so definitely thankful for support.

I’ve had two abusive partners and whenever I am very stressed I will have nightmares about them. One of them I dated over 12 years ago and I still have the most nightmares about him. The only way I’ve been able to make the nightmares stop is to reduce my day time stress, and talk about it in therapy. I know they’ll be back next time I get very stressed but it helps knowing that it means I need to rest more in the day time and treat myself to something soothing or fun. Another thing you can do is replay the dream in your mind while you’re awake BUT change it to something good or a positive outcome. Change all the scariest parts and vividly imagine that and play it over and over. Our brains really believe the images we show it so this can help.

It seems to show you don’t feel like you have anyone you can rely on in this situation. Not even authorities. You only have yourself and your anxiety says you aren’t enough. However anxiety lies to us a lot. When you wake up you are enough. But that does mean you can’t keep building ties to others you can rely on someday if you need it. And look for sources where you could go to have that information ready before you need it. It could help soothe the anxiety just to know you have a plan.

I had that one before, but a slightly different set-up. A lack of control, a lack of safety, and a lack of feeling heard caused me that dream. I use warm milk, a shower, or cannabis before bed to sleep and it helps drastically.