Nightmares every night for weeks

m-a-i-

For the last few weeks I have been experiencing nightmares that are varying from level of distress. Pretty much solid for the last three weeks with one exception being the night before last. I remember my dreams and each one is unsettling. Basically varying from death to breakup etc. 
Several weeks ago my partner's dad took very ill and we were in the hospice for some time before he passed. It was incredibly tough to see my partner and his family devastated by this and I was also shaken from this. While we were there I had been offered a great job which I took so it's been a whirlwind of emotions.
I feel like maybe this is the reason that I'm having nightmares, that I have some anxiety over the last few weeks but I'm just wondering if you have any advice for same? 
Thanks

NeonCookies

Hi OP. Sorry to hear you're having a tough time, it really does sound like you've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. I recently experienced a similar situation, being in the hospice with my partner's family and it truly does shake you up. I found it quite difficult being the 'outsider' to the grief (despite how wonderful his family are to me), so during that time and after with my OH I took on a supportive role, which was extremely draining. You may feel guilty feeling shook up, sad and drained when you know that your partner and his family are experiencing all of that too. Throw in that I'm sure you felt guilty at feeling happiness about your new job (congratulations by the way) and anyone would be feeling the effects. It's only been a few weeks too so it's all still raw.

The dreams about death and break up could be about loss so make sense given what you've been through. Have you started your new job? That's also stressful no matter how much you want it!

My advice would be go easy on yourself. Talk to your partner about the nightmares if you haven't already, you can still be supportive to him/her while sharing your problems. If you can't do that then share with a close family member or friend. Verbalising it may help. Have a relaxed bedtime routine - warm bath/shower, warm drink, cuddles. Maybe get a scented pillow or something to cuddle as you fall asleep e.g. lavender or whatever you find relaxing. I imagine anxiety at having another nightmare might make it more likely to happen! The fact that you didn't have any nightmares the night before last may mean that your body and mind is starting to heal and let go of some of the anxiety. It won't go on forever. Just be kind to yourself.

Allow yourself to be down and sad if you need to, allow yourself to feel happy if you need to. Holding in emotions does effect us so find ways to express them, even just writing it down!

Good luck OP, hope things get better for you.

m-a-i-

It's like you're in my head NeonCookies ! I've been the supportive role a lot and wouldn't do anything different as I am now concerning that but yes its draining. 
I'm starting the new job in a few weeks and I couldn't be more excited. I don't work with a team here so I think being part of a team would help my mental health greatly 

Thank you so much !! x

AllForIt

Don't eat a good few hours before you go to bed. From personal experience I can say it made a difference for me. Also I try to wind down an hour before I go to bed, no internet or telly in that last hour or anything that requires one to be highly alert.

Faith

I have found that certain foods, eaten shortly before bed, will cause horrific nightmares for me. Oddly enough, Special K was the worst offender. So it’s possible that it’s caused by something in your routine?

m-a-i-

Thanks for all your comments. I don't think it was food because I haven't really changed much between now and before the nightmares but I'm happy to report that they have lessened significantly in the last week with only a sort of one since a day or two after I posted. 

Faith

Faith wrote: »

I have found that certain foods, eaten shortly before bed, will cause horrific nightmares for me. Oddly enough, Special K was the worst offender. So it’s possible that it’s caused by something in your routine?

Special k before bed gives you nightmares?..I truly feel sorry for you.

Were the nightmares about cereal killers?