Night Terrors, Every Night

[FindingKayla]

I have had chronic ptsd since I was a young child (due to multiple traumatic events through my life) due to recent "attacks" I am back to square one. My Mom sleeps next to me to wake me up.

The night terrors are horrible. I broke my foot on the footboard of the bed from kicking. She says I'm screaming crying, and fighting and it takes a while to get me to wake up.. After I have crying spells or slip into this really dark place.. Night terrors I have at least a dozen each night..

Does anyone know of anything that might help?

I'm seeing a therapist who wants to do EMDR. But I'm not ready for that yet..

 

[Flyaway]

My first thought was EMDR... It's probably not as daunting as you might think it is. It will help your mind to process those feelings differently.

I know this is incredibly hard for you right now!!! And breaking your foot as well!!! But this anger is all valid and it's really healthy you're letting it out- people who internalise that anger often end up self harming. I'd prefer you smashed your bed to pieces than self harmed!!!!

You're so brave to reach out!!! I'm really happy for you that you have your mum there to support you. Are you taking anything at night before you sleep? I wonder if Xanax would give you a better quality sleep - less night terrors.

 

[FindingKayla]

I do self harm.. That would be the "dark place" I spoke of.. I don't really get angry.. Just have horrible night terrors.. I think EMDR might be too much right now.. My body reacts to sleep meds the opposite. (I'm wide awake from them) and I've tried xanax. But it only makes it harder for me to wake from the night terrors.

 

[Flyaway]

Ok!!! Meds aren't right for you then! It's ok- everyone's body is different. I wonder if meditation will make a difference? I found this the other day- the alternate nostril breathing is really helpful!!![DLMURL]http://theknowing1.wordpress.com/panacea/[/DLMURL]

I think you need to completely indulge in self care right now- you have my permission to be selfish ;) ...baths, music, art, beach, chocolate.... Anything and everything to reassure yourself that your not the bad one in this - you deserve all the love in the world!!!

The FOOKERS who did this to you are the ones who deserve all the anger you feel- not you!!! The anger is there so you can FIGHT!!! You're worth fighting for!!!

I use to self harm as well... I kept digging through all the BS, and brainwashing, and confusion, until I got to the core issue... I realised that I blamed myself for what the ASSWIPES did to me!!! I think part of me wanted to- because it kinda made me feel like I was in control. But the truth is I was completely manipulated, lied to, bullied into vulnerable situations so they could take what they wanted. It wasn't my fault AT ALL!!! I realised I didn't deserve to be hurt more for THEIR CRIMES! ...you really don't either! I hope you can come to this realisation yourself!!!

 

[arfie]

Have you tried dream journaling? The journaling was very calming after the nightmares and helped me work through the causes. I journaled the calmer dreams, as well. I think they held the subtler causes.

Hope you find what works for you. Night terrors are no fun.

 

[radicalgratitude]

Have you tried a sleep study? Now that my minor sleep apnea is being treated through a double bite splint, I don't get night terrors anymore, even with the PTSD. I am even able to get to stage 4 on the REM cycle. A sleep study can pinpoint what you need to get better.

 

[Safe]

Hello finding kayla, I also have had PTSD since a young child. The feeling of terror began when I was four years old. I tried many different therapies over the years basically anything that could possibly make the fear of being attacked go away.

I had not had a single night until I was in my thirties without thinking I was going to be attacked and killed. I had been put on antidepressants once or twice and they made no difference. I was always resistant to taking medication. I think it was to do with hyper vigilance always wanting to be ready and alert if someone snuck up on me.

Anyhoo I went to the doctor one day and said I was getting depressed once a month from pms and I wanted to try Zoloft to help with that. I had long given up hope of ever being free of fear. I started on Zoloft and bizarrely within 6 weeks or so my ptsd symptoms had virtually gone.

I finally knew what it is like not to be afraid and able to be alone at night without terror. I will probably be on it for life and I know some people don't like medication but I'm quite happy to grow another head as a side effect if it means I can function better and know peace.

Sometimes my symptoms flare up and I still have an impressive startle response but it is amazing how a bit of period pain and monthly grumpiness led me to a solution for a lifelong problem.