anxiety & nightmares or night terrors

Are you taking medications? I know that some medicines have a side effect of nightmares. Are you going through a traumatic period in your life right now? My daughter had night terrors when she was little and it used to scare me to death--she grew out of them. I have nightmares every night (have since before I was even put on medication). I wish I could help you--it's horrible what you're going through. Peace be with you.

Thanks for your question, Dee! As "We're Not Alone" already pointed out, side effects of meds and/or stress and anxiety are often the culprits behind the nightmares you describe. Are these night terrors affecting your sleep? Do you wake up feeling rested or do you wake up in the morning feeling like you were up all night? If you're waking up feeling rested and ready to start the day, you're probably getting good, deep and restorative sleep. Either way, this is definitely a conversation that you should have with your doctor ASAP.

I've personally struggled with anxiety/depression all of my life. I used to have TERRIBLE night terrors as a child. As an adult, I rarely have them but when I do it's because 1) I'm extremely stressed out about something in particular; 2) I've missed a night or more of my Effexor. I find that there are a couple lifestyle changes that lower the frequencty of my nightmares: 1) I don't drink any caffeine after lunch; 2) I don't watch scary movies anymore; 3) I see a therapist regularly; 4) As soon as I get in bed at night, I open up my journal and just pour out everything that's going on in my head.

I wish you the best of luck, Dee. And we're always here for you. Please come back and tell us how you're doing!