I think I’m going insane. My nightmares, my dreams, they’re so vivid, and they’re never natural, i dont feel like one person i swear I’m not alone, and they talk to me through my dreams, nobody understands me when i talk about them, i do rituals where i self harm and put the blood all over myself. I sit in the dark and twitch and i dont hear voices but I FEEL them, I FEEL them inside me, i feel different from everyone else, I dont know what is wrong with me. I swear I’m going crazy. I hurt myself and then after I realize what I’ve done and i cry. I cry during i do it and whisper to myself. My dreams are so impacting they determine my mental state throughout my day. They are so real like, I feel panicked throughout the day. This isnt like the nightmare disorders I’ve read about. I love them even though they’re so detrimental to me. I cant let go of my past. Please help, I dont know whats wrong with me.
I’m sorry this is happening to you. Please don’t assume that you are “insane.” You might be describing a sleep disorder or a related condition. Typically, individuals with nightmare disorders describe similar symptoms. Their dreams are frightening and feel very real. Often the dreams involve threats to their survival, or some other related serious life-threatening scenario.
It’s important to consult your primary care physician about this matter. They will evaluate your symptoms and determine if you’re a candidate for a sleep study. Sleep studies allow for the proper diagnosis of a sleep disorder. They are typically done in comfortable rooms with trained professionals monitoring various elements of your sleeping patterns. I hope this helps you know how to proceed. Good luck and please take care.
Dr. Kristina Randle