Nightmares and waking frightened

• Card 1

  Nightmares after trauma can replay events directly, or can carry similar feelings — fear, helplessness, being chased or trapped — without matching what actually happened. Either way, they can leave you waking with a racing heart, sweating, or feeling unsafe even once you're awake.

• Card 2

  Common experiences

  • Nightmares that repeat a similar theme or feeling, night after night
  • Waking suddenly with a strong startle response
  • Confusion for a few moments about where or “when” you are
  • Reluctance to fall back asleep afterwards
  • Fatigue and irritability building up over time

• Card 3

  Nightmares are not a sign of weakness or a failure to “process” trauma correctly. They are a common, well-documented response, and there are gentle techniques — as well as professional treatments — that can help.

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