http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/tags/dreams It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Mon, 21 May 2012 15:14:33 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59303 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:44:44 +0000 tizzkins 59303@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Leapfrog i can certainly relate to your dreams. I often have dreams where i have to deal with an ocd dilemma and i am totally drained the next day. I certainly hope that your doctor wouldnt think you were making a mountain out of a molehill as i am a great believer that come day or night i sometimes suffer both. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59288 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:37:20 +0000 kissthefrog 59288@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi all,<br /> thanks for the responses and advice. I will try and mention it to the doctor next time I see her. Will also try the things Tess mentioned, all makes sense! Hard to get my head around anything at the moment so trying to deal with a bit at a time. Really helps to know there are people here I can talk to about these things who won't judge me!<br /> Thanks again everyone<br /> &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59278 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:23:38 +0000 Ratwomble 59278@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Pepper,</p> <p>The path to recovery is not a smooth one of constant improvement. Under no circumsatnaces should you feel guilty that you aren't getting better. Focus on any small improvements. It is very difficult to see how much better you are getting as it is so gradual. And it is important that the doctor knows about how you feel.</p> <p>David </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59275 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:14:11 +0000 pepper 59275@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi, I'm on mirtazapine and had very vivid dreams for the first month or so, as David said its listed on the side effects. They died down after a while although the last few nights have started up again, involving some of the things round my ocd, possibly because I've been dwelling on it a lot especially at night. If its really distressing to you then I would mention it to your doctor after all thats what they're there for, although I know that this is sometimes easier said than done, I'm currently worried about going for my drs appointment later this week because I feel like I've let him down as I'm no better. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59274 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:02:02 +0000 Ratwomble 59274@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>LF</p> <p>When on Mirtazapine I had VERY vivid dreams. It is actually listed as a side effect on the medication. Might be worth checking the tablets you are on and see whether it is a known side effect.</p> <p>I used to check in my dreams.......</p> <p>David </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59273 Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:49:10 +0000 Tess 59273@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Leapfrog<br /> I go through phases of having disturbing dreams. I think it may be related to quality of sleep and this can depend on many different factors including simple things like temperature and weather. I've had some very vivid dreams this month and so has my husband. OCD is part and parcel of a lot of my dreams but that does not surprise me as it such a big part of my life and I would expect it to intrude into my dreams. I also get recurring dreams which revolve around a particular fear/phobia and these are particularly distressing and can trouble me for some time afterwards but I try to absorb myself in more pleasant things to counteract them and help me to get them out of my mind.<br /> As for dreams which have come true I prefer to think of this as coincidence because other interpretations just lead to even more mental questioning and we do more than enough of that without adding to it.<br /> By all means speak to your GP if it is worrying you excessively. A small dose of tranquilizer at bedtime might help but GPs are very reluctant to go down this route. You could try some self help, no caffeine or alcohol during the evenings, no bedtime drink to fill your bladder and rouse you during the night from deep sleep, no violent or very stimulating images on TV or the computer in the hour before bed and develop a regular bedtime routine so that you go to bed tired and sleepy with a relaxed mind and body. Keep your bedroom temperature comfortable and bedding warm enough but not too warm. It's difficult at this time of the year because the outside temperature is up and down like a yo yo but these simple measures can help a bit. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59258 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:21:05 +0000 wannabefree 59258@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi leapfrog, I too have very vivid dreams, although sometimes miles away from OCD, I then have the morning terrors of realising my OCD will knock me down again. I'm asleep before my brain has had a chance to relax, and then it seems only a few moments before it is morning, and I'm frightened again, and most of the day too... It sometimes seems to be a no-win situation.<br /> It could be the medication, but I have to accept the medication the doctor has prescribed... I daren't come off it...<br /> I think the only thing we can do, is just keep plodding along as best we can, until hopefully it all comes right, and we can recover from this terrible illness we're all suffering with...<br /> Let's all hope for better days ahead...<br /> wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/disturbing-dreams#post-59254 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:55:26 +0000 kissthefrog 59254@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi all,<br /> sorry to be posting problems again after all the kind posts last time.<br /> Just wondering if anyone else has really disturbing dreams? They always seem to involve triggers of mine, and they feel so real it makes me question whether they actually happened. They have even caused panic attacks during the day because they were so real I was afraid it had happened. Just to make things worse I'm sure sometimes I have had dreams in the past that have come true so it adds to the feeling that they are real or will come to be real somehow. Sometimes they are so frantic they leave me exhausted and anxious all day, even when they don't involve a trigger, its like they are trying to tell me something and I can never find out what. Does that make sense? Is this an OCD thing or is it just me? Have been diagnosed with depression too, and am on antidepressants, could it be from that?<br /> Am afraid to mention this to doctor because its just dreams so I think she will think I'm masking a mountain out of a molehill or something.<br /> Don't really know what to do. Thanks for reading anyway<br /> &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38101 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:02:37 +0000 Anonymous 38101@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Yes, you can send Private Messages. Just click on Send Message beneath a person's name and avatar or go via their profile by clicking on their name. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38100 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:00:16 +0000 mama 38100@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Is there a way to chat on this forum? </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38099 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:53:07 +0000 Anonymous 38099@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thanks for the friend request. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38098 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:51:25 +0000 Anonymous 38098@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I haven't taken any sort of meds yet, but I'm worried I might need to. I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday and I'm still anxious now. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_cry.gif&quot; title=&quot;:cry:&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38097 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:45:39 +0000 mama 38097@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I can see how it might scare some people off to hear the side effects, but most of us OCDers are terrified of meds anyway. lol. For me I find that this little sleep issue is worth it for me to be free of the incessant badgering of the OCD thoughts. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Anyway, thank you for the welcome...I like interpreting dreams too...I think you are right...this last one sounds like a positive self image dream! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; <br /> Andrea </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38095 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:39:31 +0000 Anonymous 38095@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Andrea, your comments are very interesting, but a bit over my head, haha! Nice to see someone on here with more technical knowledge about these things though, I'm really just guessing about what these dreams are all about. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_wink.gif&quot; title=&quot;:wink:&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38094 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:36:39 +0000 mama 38094@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I find that the more you know, the more power you have. The doctors who are trained in dealing with OCD tend to be very straight forward. Dr Claiborn has said this about the SSRI's and we have discussed it a number of times on the other list. I can see if I can get some studies or something to share. Not a lot of talk about this side effect happens here either, my source is Dr. Claiborn and Dr. Jenike here on the US site.<br /> Andrea </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/3#post-38092 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:20:48 +0000 Anonymous 38092@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Perhaps the "showing off" of your ability could relate to you being more open about your OCD, and being proud to show the fact that you are tackling it so well? It certainly seems like a positive dream, so that sort of interpretation could make sense. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-38090 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:00:38 +0000 Anonymous 38090@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Andrea</p> <p>That is interesting. At the conference Prof Paul Salkovskis who has spent his career helping people with OCD said that a lot of doctors here in the UK tend to not mention or play down the side effects of meds because they fear patients will not take them. Does that happen in the US too? I guess the point of my message is that I was not told about this side effect and that it explains a lot. I have had really bad sleep problems while I have been taking citalopram<br /> Anne<br /> x </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-38081 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:45:01 +0000 mama 38081@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I really like dream interpretation...my mom took classes on it once...seems its your subconscience interpreting feelings through pictures. Since your brain is the one that made up the representations, you can go back in your imagination and ask them what they mean...who they are, etc.<br /> Anyway, on an OCD note, its been explain to me that those of us on SSRI medications will likely have vivid dreams...not because of the meds creating the dreams, but because SSRI's tend to interupt sleep. Full sleep cycles will have an 'amnesia' effect, its likely that we always have vivid strange dreams, but those of us on meds are likely waking up before the cycle ends so we remember the dream vividly...hence the panic upon waking...it still seems real. We OCDers then tend to think it must MEAN something...like 'holy crap, I'm a paychopath because I dreamed that violent dream! What if thats the latent desire of my heart!?' Really its just a dream...we are processing thought and feeling with pictures, colors, sounds, etc. Anyway, I'll stop rambling.<br /> Andrea </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-38078 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:19:56 +0000 Anonymous 38078@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Helz</p> <p>Hope you are feeling better - hope you can help with a recurring dream.</p> <p>I have had this one for years but it is mutating like my OCD. Iny my dream I can fly but not with wings. I sort of soar on a pocket of air about two feet off the ground. In the past I used to do this in rpivate only. But last night I was proud to show off my new ability. People were generally surprised but friendly about it. I think this is a good one but am not sure.</p> <p>Any advice?<br /> Anne </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37569 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:21:42 +0000 Anonymous 37569@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Oh yes, that would be wonderful. Sometimes I wish I could go back to my pre-OCD days and just stop myself developing it somehow. I keep thinking that if I'd fought my initial compulsions then maybe I wouldn't be where I am now. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37567 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:16:26 +0000 truddles 37567@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>It's a shame that all our OCD isn't just a bad dream isn't it?<br /> Wouldn't it be great to wake up only to find that it was all just a bad dream instead of a living nightmare ? &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_confused.gif&quot; title=&quot;:?&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37564 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:09:46 +0000 Anonymous 37564@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>It is very annoying, isn't it? Just try to remember that these dreams are not real, don't let them get you down! The real life stuff is hard enough to deal with as it is. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_confused.gif&quot; title=&quot;:?&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; I had a contamination dream last night but somehow I realised I was dreaming and was able to calm myself down in the dream. I woke up feeling as though I'd beaten it. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37549 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:55:26 +0000 rena 37549@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>OCD tends to follow me in my dreams as well, usually I will be checking something over and over in my dreams, the dreams seem very real and bring about a great amount of stress when waking up the next day. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37539 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:28:09 +0000 Anonymous 37539@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi, don't worry, you don't have to share. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; Thanks, I'm glad I started it as it has been very interesting. I've been having lots of dreams about birds, particularly tropical ones and apparently this can be a good omen, so maybe things are looking up at last. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37492 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:09:24 +0000 truddles 37492@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Helz,</p> <p>My nightmares are pretty gruesome, so I wont inflict them on you all. But I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this topic.</p> <p>Trudy </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37204 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:38:00 +0000 Anonymous 37204@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi joyce,</p> <p>That sounds like a nasty dream. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_sad.gif&quot; title=&quot;:(&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; I'm no expert in dream interpretation obviously, but the horrible bugs etc. and their increasing in numbers could relate to OCD symptoms increasing and getting out of control when you give in to them i.e. by cleaning excessively. I don't know if you find this to be the case in real life, but I know that the more I let myself perform my compulsions and rituals the more anxiety I seem to feel. Hope you don't feel I've made too much of a judgement, that's just how I would interpret it. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Hi Cuthbert,</p> <p>Losing things you love could also relate to the way in which OCD tries to rob us of the things we hold dear, such as activities we used to like to do but can't anymore because our anxieties have stopped us. As I've said though, I'm no expert, I'm probably just looking far too deeply into it! &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_lol.gif&quot; title=&quot;:lol:&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37200 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:58:16 +0000 Cuthbert ffoliott 37200@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I dream about losing beloved things fairly often. It's not nightmares, but still distressing. It's directly connected to my hoarding obsession, I guess, that would make sense anyway. Checking does not occur in my dreams; perhaps because that is the type of OCD that is quite successfully counteracted by the SSRI. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37188 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:39:17 +0000 Anonymous 37188@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi everyone<br /> I haven't posted to this thread before because I rarely remember my dreams when I wake up. I often wake in the night and remember them vividly but by morning I have completely forgotten. But today I can remember one I dreamt last night and realise it is recurring with minor differences, sometimes a room, perhaps a corridor or even a footpath.<br /> For those who are squeamish - don't read on ......<br /> I have contamination OCD but no real problems with creepy crawlies so I can't work this one out. This was last night's dream: I am in a large room with a bare concreted floor and I knew I have the responsibility for cleaning it. As I start large brown millipedes with long legs start appearing from crevices and along the edge, then as I start to put water on it slimy slug type things start coming up, then bigger ones like long black leeches with faces like snakes, then as I put more water down wriggly fishy type creatures appear. At first there is room for me to step between them but they keep increasing until the entire floor is covered in slimy wriggly flapping creatures and they still keep increasing and start to go onto my feet and up my legs. I don't know what happens after that, presumably it wakes me up.<br /> Any suggestions about what this one is all about? Joyce </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37151 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:33:39 +0000 Anonymous 37151@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Dr Anne is most certainly not a doormat. &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-related-dreamsknightmares-post/page/2#post-37140 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 17:59:25 +0000 Anonymous 37140@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi </p> <p>Yes I will try - doormats are put there to be walked on aren't they? So I had better remember in future that I am a powerful lady to be reckoned with and not a doormat.<br /> Thanks x </p>