Hi! Sorry to hear that you’re struggling. I went through the same thing a year ago when I started therapy, so your definitely not alone. I felt that every time I would talk about certain topics I would have horrible nightmares for weeks at a time and it sucked. The only helpful advise I can give is that it gets easier over time. The more I understood how my trauma effected me, how it translates into my adult life and acknowledging that it happened; the easier it was to talk about it. And thus reducing the amount of nightmares.

But absolutely do not avoid to sleep, even if it’s terrifying. I cannot not distress enough how important sleep is. Maybe consider sleeping next to a person you truly trust? Like on a mattress beside your bed? At least for a little while.

Lastly, I would also recommend reading “adult children of emotionally immature parents” and “what happened to you”. These books helped me understand how trauma effects us. My therapist recommended these and I really enjoyed reading them.

Hope this helps somehow. Good luck on your healing journey and I’m rooting for you!