Disturbing Dreams

Disturbing dreams are different from nightmares. They may leave you wondering what your subconscious mind is trying to communicate. Below are some potential reasons behind these types of dreams:

Unconscious Advice

Disturbing dreams could serve as unconscious advice. Perhaps in some way, you are betraying yourself, neglecting something important, or not fulfilling your potential. For example, those facing a midlife career change may dream about being in school, searching for a missing classroom, or panicking about a final exam they forgot to prepare for. These dreams mirror the panic and stress they feel in waking life about their current career path.

Guilt and Admonition

Sometimes, disturbing dreams arise from guilt. For instance, if someone is engaging in dishonest behavior, such as embezzling from their job, they may dream of burglars breaking into their home. These dreams reflect the moral injury they are causing, portraying a similar sense of violation. This dynamic can also occur in children's nightmares, where unexpressed anger toward parents turns inward, manifesting as frightening dream images.

Repressed Trauma

Disturbing dreams can also stem from repressed trauma. While nightmares often accompany emotional pain from traumatic events, especially in adulthood, childhood trauma that has been repressed may continue to surface in disturbing dreams. These dreams may recur until the trauma is brought to conscious awareness and healed.

Psychic Premonitions

In rare cases, disturbing dreams may be psychic premonitions. Though uncommon, some people do experience dreams that seemingly predict future events.

How to Deal with Disturbing Dreams

The best advice for dealing with disturbing dreams is often to ignore them. While analyzing the imagery may be tempting, it is unlikely to provide the answers you need. Let the dreams pass, and focus on addressing any underlying feelings or issues that may be causing them.

See Repressed Trauma, Guilt, Premonition, Unconscious Mind