Flashback Dreams?

[maramara]

I keep having nightmares about my rape.
This hasn't happened in years.
I don't know how to make it stop.

[Wayne92]

Im sorry this is happening, I was sexually abused at a young age and I would sometimes have nightmares and flashbacks as well. I found that talking to someone or writing about it helps get it out of your head. You can blog about it on here or get a journal and write your thoughts down each day. I use to journal until I stopped and it eventually came back, so now I blog on here. Give it a shot and let me know how it works for you. I'm always here so feel free to message me if you feel like talking or something. :)

[candabear17]

I'm going through the same thing right now. What I do is when I wake up after the nightmare, I draw an image from inside the dream. I talk them out with my therapist later and I usually feel a lot better.

[maramara]

I tried writing it out after I had the dream. I described what happened as if I was telling myself. It really did help. I went back to sleep and didn't have the nightmare. They are still happening, but writing them out does help. Thank you both :) I haven't thought about my rape in a really long time. It's hard to think about..

[Mortal Coil]

Hey Mara, I have the same problem (except for the "had a period where I didn't")
What I do is drink some chamomile tea right before bed. Try to properly relax (I know it sounds strange) before bed.
Also, no late-night exercise. It throws your hormones and brain chemicals - some of which cause nightmares - way out of whack.
Hope my advice helps you, and you can always come to me for anything.

[maramara]

I didn't even think about the exercise factor...that would explain a lot.
Thank you so much for all your advice guys. I don't know what I'd do without you, really.
Likewise goes for you, Alex :)