Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Support Group

Welcome, i was very moved by your story. I am so glad that you are seeking help and support.
I used to have the most awful nightmares too getting a therapist really helped me im not sure if that is possible for you?

SamiLou,

Sorry to hear you are having such trouble with the nightmares, although it is not surprising.

My guess is that your new boyfriend is providing you with comfort and a sense of security. My opinion is that this would be very helpful for your healing. What's more, he seems to be very commited.

Just a tip...

I have found that exercise REALLY helps with the nightmares (although I still get the "night terrors." I started using it as a component of my "tool kit" about 4-5 months ago, and not only have the nighmares stopped about 90 percent, but my responses to triggering is not nearly as explosive or reactive as before. The depression is also greatly reduced. I'm not exactly sure why this is but I think it is providing a "channel." Whatever it is, it seems to have made a huge difference.

I am up late tonight however because of too much triggering earlier. Sometimes I am afraid to go to sleep for fear I will have them. Even the night terrors scare me...because I think I am going to have heart failure.
So, although the exercise as a coping mechanism helps...it's not fool proof. Not yet.
I think that you are very lucky to have a companion who is so supportive and helpful to you. Sometimes, I think love can be the best medicine.

Sweet dreams!

i run every single day
the nightmares still come. they are so real too
i avoid falling alseep at night because of this

There is a theory that dreams are a way to process the trauma. For me, knowing that helped me endure them.

It's probably because you feel safe that your brain is finally able to process the trauma. No eight year old should have to go through what you did, EVER.

I believe there are medications for night terrors and nightmares but I don't have experience with them. Can you talk to a Dr. about it?

I listen to soothing sounds as I fall asleep when I'm unable to relax. There are sound frequencies that can help calm the brain down. Ambient Music Therapy is one that I use.

Sorry to hear your having such a hard time with sleep. I do understand. Ive had night terrors in my past.

I'm taking medications for my night terrors and have had great results.

Guanfacine
Risperidone

and I take zanax to sleep

Check with your dr or theapist.

welcome to the group im here for you if you need to talk

i understand. and so am so sorry you have to deal with those night terrors. i am here for you. my nightmares are so horrendous that it seems no matter what i do or what medication i take they will never go away. i am literally haunted, and getting no rest doesn't help with symptoms throughout the day.

i've worked on a lot of grounding during the night. making sure i have a bright clock and familiar items around me on my nightstand so i can begin the process of reorienting myself. once i get out of the nightmare, if i do, i make sure to leave the room/environment for a while. maybe go grab an ice pack too.

another thing that helped elivate them for me was prazosin. its a medication that actually lowers bloodpressure but has shown to help nightmares in ptsd victims. its helped for me. atleast help calm me down a little and lower my anxiety a little when i do wake up so its not as bad. doesn't make them go away. but helps.

hang in there.

when i sleep at night, i have my iPod playing on my iHome and a small night light. i make sure everything is locked, my room is on the first floor, the only one that is. but like i said, my mom and stpedad began taking sleeping pills to sleep through my screaming, it kinda makes me mad.
last night i had a dream i was back in the hospital after my overdose...that was insane

Each of our systems are different.

Resiliance,

Dispositions,

Predispositions,

Our tool kits. Internal and external resources (including nature and quality of support or lack of it),

Threshold for pain and/orcoping,

Individual chemistry,

Lifestyles and habits,

I don't medicate. My path is not the easy path, but I won't judge those who do.

I also know that I have the right to define what is "acceptable" for my own recovery. My efforts are not always successful all of the time, but I am proud of how hard I have worked to maintain my holistic philosophy with regard to my PTSD.

Doctors may never find a "cure," but I am convinced that I will find what works for me.

Even tho I feel I have successfully addressed the nightmare problem, I don't know what to do about the terrors, which are more physical. Even so, I can handle the night terrors much better than I could the nightmares.

Because I believe that the nightmares are a direct response to "stimulus" that triggers the subconcience, I also suspect that knowing what triggers you and addressing the triggers systematically may also be a preventative measure (this may also be why my nightmares have reduced so much). I have a good tool kit that I am constantly refining and improving.

Just some thoughts (I have a coupl'a these from time-to-time).

Peace

I too have nightmares every night all night. I used to get up and go downstairs in the middle of the night because I was too afraid to go back to sleep. I'm sleeping a little better these days but I think nightmares go hand in hand with PTSD.

Just wanted to let you know that I understand and hope you find some peace!

Clair