Ask Joy: NIGHTMARES — When it’s more than just a nightmare.

Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

Recently, I was asked for advice about nightmares. A person described violent, disturbing and repetitive dreams/nightmares. Resulting in constant terror on waking in a drenched bed. This left the person with a sense of dread after the dream had passed. At this point, and after multiple bad nights, it is recommended that the person seek professional help—first at a GP, then a psychologist/psychiatrist because there is more to the story.

Often, nightmares/night terrors/bad dreams can be put down to a stressful day or a late-night snack. Particularly in children, there can be an underlying fear that needs to be addressed. Sometimes, that’s as simple as talking about it with someone close (e.g. being scared of the dark or of trees brushing against windows). However, at other times, our bad dreams can be more than they seem ( e.g. a child is being bullied, there is a fear of death or separation).

Nightmares can also be the result of depression or anxiety as well as trauma.



Common nightmare causes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Substance misuse
  • Scary books or movies
  • Other diagnoses

shutterstock_1504807880 (1).jpg
Do you struggle with nightmares? Image Credit: Shutterstock



In the case above, the person revealed a traumatic incident before the nightmares began. It was particularly violent and prolonged, and no positive resolution was achieved. The person was left fearful, traumatised, and feeling abandoned by the judicial system. This then appears to have resulted in ongoing nightmares. Again, it is strongly recommended that the person seek professional help. However, we can see that sometimes our nightmares are more than just bad dreams. The resulting trauma suffered by the person may have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder. (PTSD), without a meeting with them, a diagnosis is not able to be confirmed.

PTSD requires a medical diagnosis.

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if i dream i am totally unaware of it. please stop with the scaremongering.
Hi @Jest, is there a topic you would prefer Joy to cover? This was requested by a member and is certainly not meant as scaremongering, rather, to help those who may be experiencing this understand and potentially seek support.
 
Hi @Jest, is there a topic you would prefer Joy to cover? This was requested by a member and is certainly not meant as scaremongering, rather, to help those who may be experiencing this understand and potentially seek support.
Yes please. something of real interest and also pleasant to read, when you get to my age you are only interested in the niceties of life. This ONE person surely could have done her own research. Thank you for replying.
 
if i dream i am totally unaware of it. please stop with the scaremongering.
Scaremongering? The article refers to the psychological effects dreams MAY have on an individual, especially those who might have experienced some sort of trauma.

I consider you to be a well respected contributor but some content of the SDC newsletter is not for everyone - you and me included. Read on my friend....
 
if i dream i am totally unaware of it. please stop with the scaremongering.
Haven't you heard the saying "to sleep perhaps to dream". You must be have a totally guilt free conscience and no problems or stress in your life and I hope this is the case. A lot of people live with severe stress and it often comes out in dreams. Any article that can help one person, in my books, is a good article.
 
if i dream i am totally unaware of it. please stop with the scaremongering.
Jest this article was requested by someone who was having many horrific nightmares and this article was meant for people who have suffered a traumatic event in their lives and they don’t realise that the nightmares can be related to PTSD. I’m very glad if you don’t relate to this as you may not have suffered a trauma that has created PTSD. For those that have and are truly suffering I hope this may help them to see there’s a pathway through it.
 
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Yes please. something of real interest and also pleasant to read, when you get to my age you are only interested in the niceties of life. This ONE person surely could have done her own research. Thank you for replying.
Yes please. something of real interest and also pleasant to read, when you get to my age you are only interested in the niceties of life. This ONE person surely could have done her own research. Thank you for replying.
“Yes please” doesn’t tell me what areas of psychology you would like to read about. Previous articles have had significantly positive responses but if there is something you would like an article on, please tell me . The purpose of these articles written by me, are to help with people who may not have or be able to afford ready access to psychological services. The articles are meant to be informative and friendly to read but unfortunately some are not easy but are aimed at people who are interested in getting help or who want to offer help but are not sure how to. They are also to help broaden peoples understanding of mental health issues and thus de stigmatising mental health .Thank you for those who support the articles in the way that they were meant and I hope they continue to reach those people who need the help. Maybe an article next on wrinkles and their purpose or maybe on laughter next. Take care and stay well friends
 
Haven't you heard the saying "to sleep perhaps to dream". You must be have a totally guilt free conscience and no problems or stress in your life and I hope this is the case. A lot of people live with severe stress and it often comes out in dreams. Any article that can help one person, in my books, is a good article.
oh! i dunno. type 1 plasma infusions every month, now having a blood cancer treatment every 2 weeks for 6 months. I am now on home oxygen which means going out as well. I do have rotten nightmares when going through a hypo at nighttime. that's it folks.
 
Jest this article was requested by someone who was having many horrific nightmares and this article was meant for people who have suffered a traumatic event in their lives and they don’t realise that the nightmares can be related to PTSD. I’m very glad if you don’t relate to this as you may not have suffered a trauma that has created PTSD. For those that have and are truly suffering I hope this may help them to see there’s a pathway through it.
maybe read my reply below to a reader.
 
oh! i dunno. type 1 plasma infusions every month, now having a blood cancer treatment every 2 weeks for 6 months. I am now on home oxygen which means going out as well. I do have rotten nightmares when going through a hypo at nighttime. that's it folks.
Jest I’m so sad for what you’re going through. I can understand why you would like more upbeat articles. My daughter and I started to write a book when we were going through cancer and were going to call it “Laugh your way through Cancer”. You’re right that there are times when we need less difficult topics but I can only write what people ask of me. Again I send by best wishes to you for peace and love at this difficult time. I hope you have support around you and if not please reach out ……Social worker at Oncology, GP. And specialists in Grief Counseling. Please know that there is also a lot of support from the people on SDC when we know what people need. You’re in my thoughts Joy
 
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oh! i dunno. type 1 plasma infusions every month, now having a blood cancer treatment every 2 weeks for 6 months. I am now on home oxygen which means going out as well. I do have rotten nightmares when going through a hypo at nighttime. that's it folks.
Jest, I am sorry to hear of your serious health issues. I can understand that possibly for you laughter is the best medicine to help keep you upbeat with your health. I wish you well and hope that other members of this group may support you in whatever way you need.
 
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Jest I’m so sad for what you’re going through. I can understand why you would like more upbeat articles. My daughter and I started to write a book when we were going through cancer and were going to call it “Laugh your way through Cancer”. You’re right that there are times when we need less difficult topics but I can only write what people ask of me. Again I send by best wishes to you for peace and love at this difficult time. I hope you have support around you and if not please reach out ……Social worker at Oncology, GP. And specialists in Grief Counseling. Please know that there is also a lot of support from the people on SDC when we know what people need. You’re in my thoughts Joy
you are a lovely lady and thank you for your kind thoughts.
 
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