Nightmares coming alive?

Hi. I'm a little unclear what you mean when you tell us that one of the characters is now "out of" your nightmares? Does that mean that yoiu are seeing this dream person when you are not sleeping? Or am I misreading that? If you could clarify if my interpretation is what you mena, and give us additional details, I imagine we might be able to see the full picture here in a bit more detail.

I'm sorry if this isn't as helpful as you would like, but from what I've learned in my psychology courses dreams are a way of your subconscious to deal with problems in your every day life that you're not dealing with while you're awake. Is there anything going on that you may not be facing? @TheWingedGemini

@OpheliaSwan

Thank you for the advice. I'll try to see if that works.

@ladylazarus1971

Yes, I see him when I am awake. He used to just float around, cometimes he was conversational, but now he's back to encouraging negative actions and mocking me.

@AlwaysUpFromHere

No, I can't really think of anything I'm not facing. I mean I'm worried about my friends, they have serious depression and in some cases lackluster situations at home, but I can't exactly cure that.

Thanks for the clarifications, honey. They are really helpful. Yeah, "real" isn't exactly the easiest concept in the world to define.

Now, I'm no expert. I'm far from one, although sometimes I play the role of a "knowitall" busybody. But it seems to me that being able to see a person, who you are fairly certain does not exist in the terms we would generally proclaim that a person exists, in such a persistent manner, is somewhat troublesome. Clearly, this thing manifests as a very violent and disturbing persona. It is very obviously the source of fear and anxiety for you, both in your dreams and in your day-to-day life.

There are many factors that could be the wellspring of this nasty, bloody "figment"-- anything from REM-disturbed sleep disorders, to very stronlgy-developed anxiety issues to psychotic features that manifest in Mood and Personality disorders, or even brain tumors. That's worst case scenario kind of stuff, and I certainly don't want you to panic! The fact that you are fairly sure, near-positive, that what you're seeing isn't actually a "real" entity suggests your mind is still functionally in connection with reality, and you're likely not in imminent danger of having a sudden psychotic break.

Again, I'm not a doctor or psychiatric professional; I'm merely providing some possible scenarios to explain some of what could be happening with you right now. Considering how traumatic and disruptive this experience seems to be for you, and considering that there could be serious mental and physical health ramifications for you, I would suggest being seen by a health professional to evaluate what is happening in your body/mind currently. Only then are you going to find out where this awful phantasm is coming from, and how to banish the nasty jerk!

And, if the idea of divulging this information concerns you, please put your fears at rest. There is not much docs/counsellors of all kinds haven't heard before. No one is going to listen to what you have to say for 5 minutes, then lock you away in a straitjacket hopped up on Thorazine never to be seen in the outside world again. They will want to help you free yourself of any horrific visions you have, get you some much-needed sound sleep, and keep you healthy. So, please make this a priority in your life! You have earned a little peace and calm, don't you think?

Oh, and if you feel like responding 1 more time, Ben--I have 2 questions if you don't feel they are too personal. What age are you and has there been a history of any mental ailments in you family (if you know)? Those 2 answers may hold a very likely clue to what your brain is putting you through right now.

Much love, my heart will be thinking of you.

Trust me honey, you should include yourself in the category of people who are worthy of having their health and well-being considered important. This is a legitimate concern you have. Glad to hear your family, to your knowledge, doesn't seem to have a "checkered" mental health history. Your age would put you at the younger end of the spectrum for developing potentially psychosis-inducing mental disorders, so you can't really rule that in or out right now. But, also, please remember, there are other factors here that may not at all point to a psychotic illness.

Ultimately, opting to have your visions addressed by the medical field is your decision at this point But, I am asking you not to use the excuse of feeling llike your health is less important than anyone else's and that you'd be a bother or burden to anyone if you ask for help. That is simply not the case. Additionally, if your situation devolves-- if you start having more or stronger visions, or your lack of satisfying sleep interferes even mnore with your day-to-day functioning-- you may lose the ability to advocate for yourself. Someone else might have to step in make choices on your behalf, and you could lose control over your own circumstances.

I'll keep checking into this forum thread throughout the day to see if you would like to chat further, okay?

Not just me, sugar, but ALL of us at 7 Cups are here should you want to talk. I am glad you are contemplating getting some advice or assistance. At worst, you are a little inconvenienced by having a doc appt. that reassures you and stops the waking nightmares. You're going to do great! I am in awe of your strength in deciding to deal head on with the situation. Let us know how everything goes, my darlin'!