Yep. Like Goonsey said it is normal but that doesn't mean it's nice. My brain dredges up all sorts of stuff when I sleep. Over the years I have kinda learned to deal with it and even appreciate it a bit - It's my brain processing all the stuff and filing it where it needs to go.

One thing I find really helpful is to just lay there for a bit when I wake up, with my eyes closed think about what I am feeling inside (is there somewhere hurting? Stressed?) and to think back on what I dreamt. Kinda say thanks brain for processing and remind myself it was a dream and I am safe now. And to then think about where I am in details - what do the sheets feel like, what can I hear, that sort of thing. Just breathe in that in between space and basically put down the night stuff so I can go into the day clean. Or at worst, cut myself some slack because it was a rough night.

Everyone has their own thing - just sharing my little process in case it helps.

sounds a bit like some stress from all the recent events you've endured

all perfectly normal, you'll be fine, just talk to your counsellor

so many hugs 🫂🫂🫂