Paranormal anxiety?
Possible Trigger Warning
Hi everyone, for years now I've been suffering with some type of anxiety that makes me constantly think a monster or horror movie character of some kind is coming to kill me. I still can't go to sleep sometimes because my mind makes me believe Freddy Krueger is real and is going to get me in my sleep. I also can't sleep by myself because everytime I close my eyes I get a thought and picture a killer coming out from under the bed and about to kill me, so I keep opening my eyes right before they do and of course, nothing is there. I also have to close the drain and pour water on top of it before I go to the restroom because my mind tells me if not Pennywise will come stare at me from the drain and talk in that disturbing voice of his. Even though I know this isn't real, I still can't get over it though, whenever I am home alone I always am afraid to go up stairs because I imagine there being some type of monster up there waiting to get me. I know I should be over this stuff by now. But it all seems so real, it also doesn't help I had a horrifying sleep paralysis episode where I could literally hear Freddy Kruegers voice and see his glove come up over my head while I tried to call for help and move out of my bed to no avail. I don't know, is this anxiety or is it a completely different mental disorder on its own, and either way is there coping skills? Thank you for reading, have a fantastic day!
For the main part, it is always a good idea to get some help for stress relief.But also, you should stay away from watching horror movies.some people do have nightmares from them.watch comedy,watch things that are inspiring instead.
@LaughingLemon
There may be some night/sleep specific mindfulness sessions available on google. I haven't looked for them but something similar to 7cups mindfulness audio but more specific to phobias is what I'm thinking. There's good worksheets in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT that's specific to phobias. Aiming to have more lucid dreams where you know that you are dreaming may also help you feel you have more control over the situation when you start having a nightmare (though success rate on this can vary). I lucked out having a lucid dream realizing I was dreaming allowed me to not make myself wake up but instead purposefully decided to stay in the dream and beat up what I was previously afraid to let get near me and finally realized the dream could not hurt me. I hope at least one of these things helps and that you can also have such a realization while still in a dream cause controlling dreams is the best feeling ever!
I wish I could do it again but it only happened once so far. Lucid dreaming apps are available on smart phone to help with that too.
@LaughingLemon
Welcome! Im Lizzy and Im currently a trained listener and intern. I hope you find what you are looking for here in 7 Cups. Please feel free to message me whenever. I will usually reply within the day and if Im online, you should expect a reply straight away! I specialise in anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness mostly but you are always free to message me for other reasons!
http://www.7cups.com/15248074