Have you ever had "Dark Man" dreams? And what helped to make it better?

2017-08-18T08:12:39-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2017 9:07 AM

2017-08-18T09:07:03-04:00

I used to have dreams like that. I think the last one I had was prior to my first deployment. They just stopped happening.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Aug 18 at 2017 12:30 PM

2017-08-18T12:30:09-04:00

I don't know what "Dark Man" dreams are,I really haven't been diagnosed with PTSD but then again I never went to the VA until recently for an Agent Orange study whether or not my alcoholism was used as a crutch I don't know ,been in AA since 1977 and as an older Vietnam vet my demons are fading replaced with family memories not that I'll ever forget my time over there and the heroes I was privileged enough to serve with,that will never go away,never.

Response by SPC Ted Heath made Aug 18 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-08-18T15:35:55-04:00

I've talked to a lot of WWII Vets over my lifetime. I had 5 great uncles who survived it,one was stranded by a Japanese Zero from angle to his head. I lived in the house with him until I joined the Army. I don't remember any of them displaying signs, although I'm sure they had PTSD. The things they saw and did. how could they not? I often wonder how the Greatest Generation dealt with PTSD, when it wasn't recognized, and practically all surviving WWII vets had it, and we are talking about millions of them. makes them an even Greater Generation, in my opionion. I grew up idolizing them, and still do.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2017 4:14 PM

2017-08-18T16:14:21-04:00

Nothing makes it better.
Because nearly everything is a reminder of another place and time.
Even happy memories give you a sense of loss for what isn't there anymore.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Aug 18 at 2017 8:11 PM

2017-08-18T20:11:33-04:00

Not really sure what "Dark Man" dreams are. I have recurring dreams where my old squad leader sits down with me at my kitchen table wearing and looking exactly like I saw him last: kit, rifle, and part of his skull missing. It used to freak me out for the first couple years. Then I figured out that it was just my subconscious way of sorting things. "Talking" with him in my dreams were about present and past events.

I have worse ones but can't remember most of them. And the ones I do remember I haven't figured out yet.