Daytime Nightmares Whilst Awake

[Grandad Steve]

I would be most grateful if anybody could help me with a problem being experienced by my grandson. He is 12 years old and outwardly seems extremely confident and relaxed. He is an accomplished footballer and attends a stage school where he plays a leading role. I see my grandchildren (he has a 6yo sister) very regularly at least once a week, with regard to my grandson we have a very strong bond, we attend football matches together (West Ham) and I am always there as a spectator when ever he is playing football or performing.
He has been having what I can only describe as a nightmare but whilst awake, always the same and under the same circumstances. When he walks too or from school he has a "nightmare" whereby he feels there is a large lorry trying to run him over. The only stress that he may have been exposed to is that he became aware that his father (my son) had a gambling problem. Although my son is now receiving treatment and hasn't gambled since starting treatment we know that it has really upset my grandson.
I have tried to give some back ground and describe the problem as best I can; any help or suggestions would be most welcome, many thanks in anticipation of your help.

 

[Esterio]

I would be most grateful if anybody could help me with a problem being experienced by my grandson...

Thanks for the post Steve Its a tough question to know what is causing them daytime night mares. I call those flash backs. Are you sure That He was not almost hit by a truck in real life? I think you need to get him to some help maybe some kind of Trauma Therapy to start. Best nipped in the bud than left to fester.
Thanks for being there for your Grandson support is everything.
I hope you find the answers you need
Peace Be Safe

 

[bring em all in]

I don't have any advice but I can relate to having "waking" nightmares. I've had them since I was a child. I swear I'm awake but my wife says I am snoring. I hear things going on around me and feel it when the cat jumps on the bed.

These waking nightmares are especially bad when they happen in the afternoon- I'll know that I'm dreaming and be screaming my head off but only making a muted "mmmmnnnnhhh" sound in real life. I'll wake for real and then be unable to move for several minutes. I think that has something to do with the chemical that keeps you from moving in your sleep, but it's also a flashback to when I had a surgery and the anesthetic didn't work right.

 

[mamachick]

I agree that he needs to see a specialist right away. You said he plays football...has he experience any head injuries? That is my first thought. If he has, it could be related. If he has not experienced any trauma, it is possible and the age sounds about correct to be having an isolated delusion. What ever the case he, he needs professional help asap.

 

[mamachick]

Another thought, are you sure he is really experiencing this? Don't mean to be rude, but interesting only happens walking to and from school, not on other walks. Maybe he wants a ride. Kids do crazy stuff and don't consider the worry they may cause. He does have a lead role in acting. Please don't take offense to this idea and it may not be the case. Just something to consider.

 

[Grandad Steve]

Thanks to you all for your responses. Good point Brat, however he really is not that type of kid; he knows that he can talk about anything, tell me anything and it goes no further. I have spoken to him at some length and whilst I cannot guarantee that he isn't scamming I would be beyond amazed if that were the case. The circumstances of this coming to light were that he was physically sick this morning and had an air of distress: when his mother spoke to him during the course of the conversation he spoke about the situation with the lorry and his concerns for his father. on discussing the latter he became very tearful. Subsequently we spoke on the phone although I deliberately avoided too much about what he discussed with his mother, leaving it as we were going to be spending Saturday together and we could talk about anything he wanted to talk about then.
A couple of people have suggested that we get professional help, however, to be truthful I have no idea as to what kind of professional would be best qualified to help him, suggestions please.

 

[Esterio]

Thanks to you all for your responses. Good point Brat, however he really is not that type of kid;...

A mental health professional trauma. Should start with family doctor maybe for direction.That may help but don't try to go it alone. Do you and his parents get along? Or do they think you are meddling. Just thoughts.
Peace Be Safe

 

[mamachick]

A mental health professional is where I would start, even if they are not a trauma specialist, which is probably not necessary to start with. I would be open to listen (as you are) without suggesting the cause as he may not know. A good therapist should be able to get to the cause which may not be trauma. So many variables in his life that we don't know about, traffic walking to school, something he heard from other students, etc. Hope it all works out well...let us know.

 

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

Take him to the his GP first. They will be able to refer to the appropriate specialist.

 

[HappyHooligan]

I have had similar experience with staring spells while I am "not there", and I experience what I always thought of
as "daymares". I am trembling and trying to scream--most of the time my dream will be someone chasing me, or
snakes all around me--not trying to be silly, but just giving an idea what it is like. I slowly become aware of where I am,
and I feel anxiety and depression for the rest of the day. I don't know if this is exactly the same experience, but I find
that seeing a counselor and taking Venlafaxine have helped me. I still occasionally have the experience, but with
less intense thoughts and they come less frequently. Agree with the previous posters who have suggested getting
a specialist in this area to help. Good luck. Thank you for posting.
Tuxedo Cat