We've all had dreams that are strange, scary, or so convoluted that we keep thinking about them even after we wake up. Some dreams feel so vivid that it seems like we're actually living through them. But why does this happen? Do dreams have any meaning? Are there mental reasons behind strange dreams? Let's explore "The Secret of Dreams" in simple language, along with a human story.
A Dream That Turned Into Fear
Raghav, a 26-year-old man, felt alone in an old ruin every night in his dreams. The dream recurred, where he would open a door and find darkness inside. He would wake up in fear, drenched in sweat. He asked the doctor, "Doctor, why do I have these strange dreams?" The doctor smiled and said, "These are just tricks of the mind, but every dream has a hidden meaning."
Why Do We Dream?
Even when we are in deep sleep, our brain doesn't completely shut down. During this time, the brain enters a special state called 'REM sleep'. It is during this phase that we dream. These dreams are connected to everything that has happened in our minds throughout the day — like a fear, joy, stress, or a desire. This means that dreams are a way for our brain to cleanse itself and release stress. When something is bothering us, but we can't think about it during the day, that same thing can appear as a dream at night.
Why Do We Have Strange Dreams?
There can be several reasons behind strange dreams:
- Excessive stress or anxiety
- Fatigue and irregular sleep
- Watching too much TV, mobile content, or horror content
- The effect of certain medications
- Suppressed desires or fears in the subconscious mind
When Raghav started facing a lot of pressure at the office, his dreams became even stranger. This means that stress can also make dreams bizarre.
Hidden Clues in Dreams
Sometimes, the things that appear in dreams are not straightforward, but they have a deeper meaning:
- Drowning in water: A sign of being entangled in emotions
- Running: Trying to escape a responsibility or fear
- Falling: Lack of self-confidence or fear of failure
- Old relatives: Unfinished conversations or the burden of memories
Raghav's dream of the ruin was actually related to an old relationship that was never resolved. When he forgave himself, the dream gradually stopped occurring.
Do Dreams Show the Future?
Many people believe that dreams are a sign of the future. Some research suggests that our subconscious mind may have a premonition of dangers or opportunities, which appears in the form of dreams. But this is not entirely scientifically proven. Yes, it is true that our mind sometimes gives us signals – such as a fear of leaving a job, a crack in a relationship, or an insecurity related to ourselves.
Recurring Dreams – Are These Warning Bells?
If a dream recurs, it could be a sign that your mind wants to resolve something unfinished, such as:
- An old sorrow
- A childhood incident
- A suppressed fear in the present
The dream that Raghav kept having stopped only when he took counseling and understood his fear. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to understand the depths of the mind.
How to Deal With Strange Dreams?
If you are also troubled by strange or scary dreams, adopt these measures:
- Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day
- Turn off your mobile or TV before sleeping
- Practice meditation or deep breathing
- Write a journal – note down the dreams in a diary
- If needed, talk to a mental health specialist
These measures can reduce the intensity of dreams and help you sleep better.
Understanding Dreams – Knowing Your Mind
Dreams are stories that emerge from the depths of our hearts and minds. They introduce us to our hidden emotions, fears, and desires. Like Raghav, when we understand our dreams, we begin to understand ourselves a little better. So, the next time you have a strange dream, don't panic. It may be that your mind wants to tell you something – just listen carefully.
Dreams are not just a part of sleep, but a mirror of the unspoken feelings and experiences of our minds. By understanding strange or scary dreams, we can identify the stress, fears, and unfinished issues within us. Instead of ignoring them, try to understand them, because these dreams can point towards our mental health. When we take our dreams seriously, we get to know ourselves better and move towards restful sleep.
