Is it normal to have dreams like this so long after an incident?

When I was little, between the ages of 4 and 8, my father consistently abused me and my brother - verbal abuse, and the more common forms of physical abuse. But with me there was also sexual abuse involved. All of this occurred when my mother would be at work or gone for long periods of time. Until one day she saw a mark on my brother and asked what was going on and we told her everything.

Is it normal that after all this (I'm 21 now) I still have nightmares about what he did to me in such detail that i wake in the morning afraid that he may be lurking outside the door? or that i have dreams about the day that my mother threw him out of the house that are so vivid that i could tell you exactly what everyone was wearing (down to the red band-aid on my brothers arm)?

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100% Normal
Based on 7 votes
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Comments ( 4 )
  • Try this the next time you go to sleep: Imagine your adult-self stepping in to protect that younger version of yourself being abused. Imagine what your body-language would be like, what you would say, and what actions you would take. Imagining yourself as your own protector will help you get past it. Do this often, until you feel some relief.
    Also, try to take control of the situation in your dreams as well.

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  • Charle44

    This is exactly the kind of thing to talk to a therapist about. It's normal, but it's also PTSD-ish, and it's a good idea to see a therapist anyway because of what you've been through, because it can affect your future relationships.

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  • chaosdragoon1

    He's right. If you will it so, you can change the flow of your dreams. I've done this plenty of times. But the side effect is that the intensity of willing something to happen can wake you up. So save yourself quickly. Lol

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  • I'll try that! Thank you

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