Strange and upsetting dreams

katie275

For the past several weeks, I have been having really strange dreams, having arguments with people or generally being in a stressful situation. I'm also having regular dreams that my partner no longer loves me, that we are breaking up. I'm happy and secure in the relationship and we are getting married next year. I know they are only dreams but I just don't feel right when I wake up and it takes me a little while to get over it. I'm working full time and although I don't feel anxious or have worries at the forefront of my mind, I'm sure there's something in my sub conscious that's causing this.
I have good sleep hygiene and don't eat too late in the evening. I have tried meditation in the past and it's something I haven't been able to master.
Any advice how to reduce this? Thanks

zapper55

Could it be subconscious covid19 worry? I've been surprised how useful journaling can be in uncovering things I didnt realise were on my mind.

HildaOgdenx

It's something I have read both here and elsewhere that weird and upsetting dreams can be a 'side effect' so to speak, of what is going on at the moment.

No suggestions really to offer, as you mentioned your sleep hygiene is good. I agree with pp, perhaps writing things out might help, to get it out of your system.

All the best.

Make It Real

zapper55 wrote: »

Could it be subconscious covid19 worry? I've been surprised how useful journaling can be in uncovering things I didnt realise were on my mind.

+1 for journalling.

I sit down for 15 mins every morning and just write whatever comes into my head. No expectation or quality level, just whatever comes up.

Some of the benefits I get are like those counselling or coaching bring and it's regular and free. (Granted some things are absent like the different viewpoint, challenge etc).

I also track myself to make sure I do it, though the reward is always greater than the effort in doing it.

It might be something light and easy you could give a try for a week and see if it helps?

Ande1975

Hi Op,

I am experiencing the same thing. Having really vivid dreams, quite insane at times, have often woken up shaken and like you has taken me a while (a few days) to get over.
I have read elsewhere (as other posters have said) is a side effect of the times we are living in currently. Lack of social events, staying close to home etc its bound to affect us somehow.
I tried to go for a long walk after work (within 5km obvs) and try to focus on the here and now (I suppose you'd call it mindfulness)
For some reason I've an obsession with front doors, have NO clue where that came from but I'm noticing things I haven't before and it does help.
Also I'm finding areas I've never walked before, nooks and crannies. I think if you can experience something even mildly different every few days, I think that might help. It does me.

Congrats on your planned marriage

Emme

Well done with the sleep hygiene. That should include turning off ALL electronic devices such as wifi, computers, laptops AND mobile phones before you go to sleep. EVERYTHING. If you don't do this already you will sleep much better if you do. And hopefully the dreams will get better.