Conflict dreaming
Hi all,
Firstly, just want to say Im using a burner account only so that I can keep more personal stuff separated from my online identity, so I might not want to say more identifiable stuff.
So, about a few years ago I ended up going through some difficult stuff relating to what I call a stupid childhood phobia (technically irrational phobia), and as part of that process of trying to control my emotions, I was prescribed 50mg daily of Sertraline/Zoloft.
Before starting these and a little after starting, each night I was getting nightmares and what I call conflict dreams - they aren't scary but it usually involves an argument, fight or similar ”normal” conflict, usually resulting in me going into a meltdown in-dream of hiding away in a corner and going completely mute and often in tears, entirely in dream.
When I wake up after, sometimes im calm for the first 10-15 minutes but then after that, or for most days, I will get a spike of anxiety for about 15-20 minutes which I just watch youtube and bring my mind back into the present by watching my regular videos but on topics like old computers and modern stuff. Its more about telling my mind “alright, you’re back in reality, this is what it is.”, but it has the same calming effect.
About a year and a half ago we moved to a new house, and almost nightly I would have conflict dreams to the point I dreaded sleeping. In fact I feel like my sleeping has gotten worse and my apple watch says I am frequently waking up mid-sleep. I dont know what it was like before moving because I only got the watch after moving. Ive spent a lot of time trying to sort out my sleeping area and paid attention to things opening the windows since I found out the room I was in really built up C02 overnight. Im also going through sleep studies for apnea since I probably have it.
I also recently was bringing myself off sertraline slowly by gently reducing the amount to something like 50mg per every 4th day - Im led to believe this should have no therapeutic effect.
But Im still getting these regular conflict dreams and I never really used to whilst growing up or even in adulthood. Im not sure what changed over than hitting 30, and I dont think that should have made such a difference. My life is going well, Im in a good relationship, good job, no active troubles and my phobia stuff is benign at this point, so i ts not like I have unresolved worries.
just wanted to know what others might go through in relation to these?