I keep dreaming about my abuser... is this normal?

[milk]

a while back a friend of mine almost took/did take advantage of me and then stalked me extensively but it's over now and I thought I was over it but I still dream about him almost every night? How can i stop this i hate thinking about him or seeing him I hate this?

my most recent dream (last night) a friend of mine (who would never actually tell me this) told me I "just had to get over it it's not even a big deal" and i broke down

sometimes i'm in a romantic setting with my abuser ? And I wake up hating myself

Please help

 

[CaraG]

a while back a friend of mine almost took/did take advantage of me and then stalked me extensively but it's over now and...

I know the feeling. Your mind is processing the trauma. I was assaulted 27 or so years ago and I still have nightmares and dreams. I am still processing because I repressed it for years. The Hope is to process and heal, it takes time and they will stop. I hate dreaming about my abuser but don't best yourself up. Your brain is doing what it's designed to do.

 

[Me Too]

It was good to read your post because I am reliving my trauma which went on from 1982 to 2009, I thought I had coped and got over it but it has resurfaced and I have chaotic nightmares on a regular basis, wake up wet through and smell and hear things that are so real. I feel that I am now ready to tackle this, hence why I joined this community - I will do this and so will you - be happy to give each other support

 

[Kodiak springs]

I know the feeling. Your mind is processing the trauma. I was assaulted 27 or so years ago and I still ha...

Hi. You are in good company. My abuse took place in 1976. Frequent dreams until about 5 yrs ago. Now about every year. Most recent was last night!!! Not the nightmarish types from the past, but still a reminder that our experiences rattle around in our heads. Not fun but all normal.

 

[PiggyBack]

I've been divorced for 12 years, and I still have dreams that I'm still married. I wake up in a panic and dripping in sweat. I need to turn on the lights and wake myself up to break the grip of the dream. I've had to go as far as turning on my computer and looking at my divorce decree to convince myself that it is in the past.

 

[CoalStars]

It's certainly a normal experience, and a sign that your brain is healing from the trauma. My T recommends setting aside a small chunk of the day (half an hour, ten minutes, an hour--whatever you're ready for) to process the trauma. Then when you go to bed, do something really soothing, to tell your brain "okay processing time is over! Time for sleep now." My T suggested nightmares are your brain needing to process things, so if you process during the day, it helps keep the dreams away. It worked a little for me--maybe it'll help you.

Sorry you are having nightmares. It's a sign that your brain wants to heal, and it's proof that you are healing. It's a sign that you're moving forward. Wishing you some nightmare-free sleep, friend.