Anonymous #1 2w

But, when something traumatic happens, our brains sometimes don't allow us the ability to remember memories as a form of self protection/defense mechanism. When you start remembering, your brain/body feels safe enough to start processing the trauma.

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Anonymous #1 1w

i have a question for u. idk if ull be comfortable answering in the comments, so u can dm if u feel better answering there🫶 i wanted to know if ur SA nightmares r always like similar/identical in the way that they include the same person, in the same place, doing the same things where its like repetitive or r they more random & diff everytime? bc like mine r random but sometimes i have ones thrown in that involve my dad but even those arent repeating one event so im lost🫤

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Anonymous OP 1w

It really just depends. Sometimes i do have it be literally carbon copies of the same nightmare but tiny differences - and other times it is the same overarching theme. I often have extremely vivid and realistic dreams of being stalked, raped, kidnapped, or murdered. It matters not the content of the dream, but rather how the dream made you feel. Frequently my dreams make me feel absolutely icky or terrified.

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Anonymous OP 1w

Also, its worth noting that i have never been stalked, kidnapped, or obviously murdered. I have pretty moderate anxiety & phobia of these things & so these elements get tied into my dreams. I also notice that my nightmares are triggered by watching horror/thriller movies or really anything that can incite that fear again. Sometimes, the people in my dreams happen a couple of days after i thought about someone. My brain takes it and uses it as ammo

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Anonymous OP 1w

This might be Freudian of me, but i do believe that dreams are our manifestation of our desires and fears in waking life. Wether it is acknowledged to yourself or not, the themes in dreams tends to be based on strong emotions you have IRL. Focus more on how the dream made you feel above all else

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