Recently I have been having a lot of very vivid dreams and nightmares. I am 3 months after my episode, just wondering if you had the same or if it’s not common.
My nightmares are completely unrelated to the episode, I just feel like I don’t rest properly at night as my brain is working all the time.
Hi Greenfrogs
I’m sure this is probably quite common, the brain must have so much to process after PP and nighttime is a prime time for this. I think I slept quite well with the medication I was on (my PP was 8 years ago now) but generally I have quite vivid dreams at stressful times when there’s a lot on my mind.
I hope you’re doing ok and managing some sleep and rest in spite of the disturbed nights. I’m sure others here will have similar experiences to share.
Take care.
Jenny x
I had vivid dreams for a while both during pregnancy and during my postpartum psychosis and even after. I think the important thing is not to be superstitious and believe that the dreams mean anything, and don’t look into it. Specifically for me, suffering with worry and intrusive thought- I learned to let go of all superstition. It included dream interpretations. Try to incorporate exercise, it helps to sleep deeper.
Hello Greenfrogs
Welcome to the forum ... congratulations on the birth of your baby 
I think only 3 months after your episode is very early days as you are recovering from such a serious illness, so it might take time to settle back into a good sleep routine? Hopefully your nightmares will fade but if they are so unsettling that you don't rest properly, perhaps it might be an idea to mention it to your care team? If you are in the UK the perinatal mental health team should be able to support you until your baby is one year.
I know you must be so busy with a new baby at home but is it possible that you could wind down an hour or so before you go to bed? Listening to relaxing music or perhaps Mindfulness might be helpful to relax and calm your busy mind?
I had PP years ago and it did take me a while to find my feet again. I think in these early months it's good to remember to be kind to yourself. During the day you might be able to sleep when your baby sleeps? I know as mums we like like to catch up with housework but sleep is very important to your recovery.
I wonder if you have seen the PP Insider Guide "Recover after Postpartum Psychosis" at app-network.org/what-is-pp/... with helpful advice about the early months during recovery? There are also personal experiences on the page which might be reassuring.
Do take care of yourself .... PP mums are truly amazing!! We are all here for each other so please write again if it helps.
Hi my wife's medication causes similar issues. Could it be that?
Hello Greenfrogs,
you have to allow yourself time to heal. You are doing so well knowing that you just have had PPP 3 months ago.
I was sectioned and the first year had been a total blur. I just have been gradually finding out over the years about my experience.
My psychotic episodes took a long time and I did not sleep, one of the contributing factors were misdiagnosis and ill-treatment in a psychiatric unit subsequently suffering from PTS. My brain shut off for a pretty long time and I was under heavy meds for a bit over one year. My partner was my full time carer.
I continued to struggle for many years. Sleep deprivation can be rather daunting and of course my dreams always have been vivid and often traumatising, but it always has been part of my recovery process. Sleep is so important, a routine is so vital.
Your brain is processing so much and your dreams are part of your healing. I found diary writing always very useful, but also talking about your fears. I have had loads of flash backs subconsciously, but also during day time and often connected to sensory processing such as smell, seing stuff and hearing...not always factual, but in my mind!
Over the years I have been pursuing an alternative therapeutic route in order to improve my quality of life as I live with Bipolar.
I just can say that self reflection and creating a toolkit for self care has healed many of my wounds. My insomnia is under control and my dreams are digesting what needs to be digested.
Uncertain times cause upheaval of sleep patterns, we are living under bizarre circumstances...therefore stresses and fears are heightened for many, especially when struggling with mental health challenges or trying to recover from PPP.
Do take care, share your experiences with the ones you love and trust.
x
Hello Greenfrogs
I hope you found the replies here helpful and are not so troubled with nightmares as the weeks have gone by.
Perhaps if you are in the UK the perinatal team will be able to offer support until your baby is one year, although at the moment contact might be over the phone for now?
Thinking of you .... take care,
intrusive thoughts after pp
Sister with PP and depression at home 
Husband of a wife with PP.
Pregnant again after pp
