Hello,
I am new to this forum. I have had anxiety disorder since my father passed away in February 2005. I had been to a psychologist for a year on issues pertaining to mental and physical abuse.
After a one year period everything is going fine, except now I have nightmares and sort of like a panic attack when I wake up from my dream. I feel disoriented, panicky, sad and fearful.
This is something completely new. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this, or possibly some good advice to guide me in the right direction.
I was so proud of myself for learning how to forgive, how to look forward and not backward.
There was an article by Health Day New at this site. It stated " Reduce stress by talking to friends and relatives about what's bothering you." Would you believe it's my family who is causing me daily stress. How do you get rid of family. Can't!! I did like the article when it states to talk with your doctor about medications; maybe one of them is having side effects. Maybe there is one that is producing nightmares. I think I will call them "Anxiety/Panick Nightmares, because when I wake up I am sort of still dreaming for about 10 seconds and it terrifying. It's always when I go into RAM Sleep. (Approximately 2 hours after I fall alseep.) Disorientation, feeling I am in a strange place until I realize I am in my bedroom. Boy I wish this would go away. I have been having these types of nightmares for about 2 weeks now. Did not have this before. I might have to rule out medications as I have not taken any new ones.
I am thinking of using my digital video camera to video my sleeping habits? Has anyone does this? It's like going to a sleep center for people who have night terrors, which I might have. Going to my doctor at the end of January 2008. Will see.
With all that said, any feedback or advice would be appreciated.
ladyisis
Dear Ladyisis,
Panic attacks come in all forms. From my own experience, when under extreme stress or when in full-blown PTSD, I will wake up in the middle of the night and not know where I am, and feel shaky, disoriented, and full of fear--even though I can not usually remember my dreams.
Once, this type of wake-up panic was due to a medication. The other times it was due to yet unresolved issues that were popping up in my subconscious during dreaming, and then I would sort of suddenly sit up in bed and wonder where the heck I am, what is going on sort of thing.
Again, based on my own experience, it could be medication related or anxiety related. Even when it comes to forgiveness issues, moving forward, etc., this does not always mean that ALL is resolved when we think it is--it shows up in our dream states when our subconscious is in control.
If you can remember your dreams when you wake up with a panic filled nightmare/dream state, write it down immediately by keeping a notebook by your bed and discuss the content of the dreams with your doctor. Also ask about side-effects.
You also state that your family is a driving force of continued stress. I do not know if this is related to the past abuse and panic-filled dream states or is another issue entirely. Panic or anxiety shows up during sleep just like it can in day-time hours. (Sometimes even more strongly, and some of us with anxiety do not want to put ourselves to bed at night because of it.) Just something to consider as you discover what it is that is creating this experience for you. I do hope this issue finds resolution for you.
Best,
Kimberly Tyler
Hello Kimberly,
Thank you for your response. All that you have stated is such a good idea. I do keep a journal near my bed as I write the dreams down (if I remember them) and I try to analyze my dreams to see what issues are in my subconscious mind.
I think there must be other issues that are not resolved as I am beginning to have nightmares again. I was just so scared when the panic attacks were apparent once I woke up from my dreams.
I did talk to my doctor and he has suggested that I start up on my anxiety medication for a while and to re-visit my psychologist for possible issues that might remain.
Hopefully I will be able to resolve or come to terms with whatever is bothering me. Sometimes we just can't see the problem; sometimes we need a little help.
Thank you for all your wonderful suggestions. I am taking note of them.
Have a great week-end.
Susan