Waking Up Screaming, Night Terrors

[saao]

My family was out of town this weekend so I had a friend here hanging out with me so I wouldn't have to be alone. I accidentally fell asleep while we were watching TV last night. For me, that is a very bad thing. He had to wake me up before he went home. I am so embarrassed by the way I wake up. He knew that he had to be careful waking me up. He made sure to not stand over me but I still woke up screaming in my horrific gasping terror. I wish I could get over that. It scares everyone around me and it hurts my throat. I'm always afraid that I might fall asleep in front of people because I don't want them to have to deal with the way I am when I wake up.

 

[JustBe]

Big hugs (((Saao)))!

 

[April66]

I just wanted to let you know that in the last six months I've woken up screaming and it happens when I'm innocently nudged by my spouse in sleep. I wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. I too feel embarrassed because at times I feel since I know the source of my fear then that should be enough to overcome it. But it is only when I take the pressure off myself and realize that another layer of the 'onion' has presented itself so it can be peeled away and though a painful place it is an opportunity. Perhaps it has even been years of living like this. I have a lot of trouble to feel safe enough to sleep and knowing most people can't begin to understand is added pressure. And really this is the first time I've heard someone else experiencing this too. I believe that in sharing our struggles and stories that we are giving ourselves a gift of taking another step to release ourselves from all that has tried to keep us trapped. I believe the best for you in your journey. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Maggiemay]

*hugs*

It must be incredibly distressing for u having to put up with this. I often will wake myself up screaming & shouting, which will then turn into panic attack, pretty scary. You're sadly not alone with this, wish I had a magic solution to help you.
xxx

 

[zzntown]

I just wanted to let you know that in the last six months I've woken up screaming and it happens when I'm innocently nudged by my spouse in sleep. I wanted to let you know that you aren't alone. I too feel embarrassed because at times I feel since I know the source of my fear then that should be enough to overcome it. But it is only when I take the pressure off myself and realize that another layer of the 'onion' has presented itself so it can be peeled away and though a painful place it is an opportunity. Perhaps it has even been years of living like this. I have a lot of trouble to feel safe enough to sleep and knowing most people can't begin to understand is added pressure. And really this is the first time I've heard someone else experiencing this too. I believe that in sharing our struggles and stories that we are giving ourselves a gift of taking another step to release ourselves from all that has tried to keep us trapped. I believe the best for you in your journey. Thank you for sharing.

I was just diagnosed a couple years ago, but this has been a part of my life, all my life. I always, no matter where I went to sleep, woke up with people standing around me asking me if I was alright. It became an embarrassment to me. So much so that, I would never allow myself to fall asleep away from home.

When I had my two youngest children, I didn't realize just how it affected them, until recently. See, I have adopted them out, due in huge part to these events I speak of. When I came to the realization that my PTSD was affecting them on a daily basis, I had to do what I hope any mother would do in my situation. Put their needs ahead of my own.

I suffer lots these days, mainly because this all just happened and its fresh. But I'm reminded every night when I fall asleep just why my children are no longer here.

I am not alone. My husband was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder. He understands more than anyone else in my life ever has. I don't know how he puts up with me, but I'm so thankful that he does.

I too believe that sharing our struggles and stories that we are giving ourselves a gift of taking another step to release ourselves from all that has tried to keep us trapped.

Well said. Thanks for sharing.