Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LuckyCharms

(22,049 posts)
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:31 AM 11 hrs ago

This message was self-deleted by its author

This message was self-deleted by its author (LuckyCharms) on Thu Jan 22, 2026, 11:33 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

24 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
This message was self-deleted by its author (Original Post) LuckyCharms 11 hrs ago OP
Taking antihistamines? mr715 11 hrs ago #1
No, I take a lot of pills for health reasons...but it's been the same medication for years. LuckyCharms 11 hrs ago #4
Luckily I have and old TV w/a built in VCR CountAllVotes 11 hrs ago #2
Are you taking any medications or supplements? Melon 11 hrs ago #3
No antidepressants, no brain drugs, no change in medications. LuckyCharms 11 hrs ago #5
Oh, my dear LuckyCharms, I am so very sorry to hear about your night terrors. CaliforniaPeggy 11 hrs ago #6
That's awful! redwitch 11 hrs ago #7
Don't give up SuzyandPuffpuff 11 hrs ago #8
Take a break Laurelin 10 hrs ago #9
Some suggestions Bread and Circuses 10 hrs ago #10
Have you heard of lucid dreaming? cer7711 10 hrs ago #11
100%... ultralite001 8 hrs ago #17
Please accept my sympathies. Collimator 10 hrs ago #12
I have a sort of double whammy crimycarny 10 hrs ago #13
So sorry that is tough,,,, peacebuzzard 8 hrs ago #16
... sheshe2 10 hrs ago #14
So sorry.... peacebuzzard 9 hrs ago #15
/Are you taking any new meds or dosage changes mahina 8 hrs ago #18
IMO, Most of those gifs you posted yesterday are the stuff of nightmares Donkees 7 hrs ago #19
Do whatever you need to stay well malaise 6 hrs ago #20
Overload, you're both on overload Tesha 3 hrs ago #21
I'm so sorry. You're not alone though. I've been waking up with a pounding heart Alice B. 3 hrs ago #22
I've been having some weirdly vivid dreams lately. Tommy Carcetti 3 hrs ago #23
I have never remembered my dreams Nittersing 3 hrs ago #24

mr715

(2,891 posts)
1. Taking antihistamines?
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:34 AM
11 hrs ago

They can induce some pretty wild dreams.

LuckyCharms

(22,049 posts)
4. No, I take a lot of pills for health reasons...but it's been the same medication for years.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:36 AM
11 hrs ago

No antihistamines or amphetamines...nothing like that.

CountAllVotes

(22,111 posts)
2. Luckily I have and old TV w/a built in VCR
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:35 AM
11 hrs ago

I rarely watch it.
Maybe folks like us should just stay away from these things if they are making us oh so sick!
I'm of the same ilk these days and making a few too many mistakes!
Hang-in there Lucky!



Melon

(1,132 posts)
3. Are you taking any medications or supplements?
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:35 AM
11 hrs ago

That’s is #1. If so….cut them if possible. Especially pain killers, antihistamines, and SRI’s.

LuckyCharms

(22,049 posts)
5. No antidepressants, no brain drugs, no change in medications.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:37 AM
11 hrs ago

CaliforniaPeggy

(156,216 posts)
6. Oh, my dear LuckyCharms, I am so very sorry to hear about your night terrors.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:37 AM
11 hrs ago

How much I wish you didn't have them. And I also wish that I had concrete ideas on how to get rid of them.

But I don't.

All I can offer is my tender regard and caring, and hope that this helps you feel better.

redwitch

(15,237 posts)
7. That's awful!
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 12:48 AM
11 hrs ago

I am so sorry! All of this cruelty and chaos is just so hard to live with constantly. I hope you can find a remedy and yeah , maybe take a break from the news for now .

SuzyandPuffpuff

(420 posts)
8. Don't give up
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 01:11 AM
11 hrs ago

That asshole in the wh doesn't deserve to put you or any of us thru this. He won't beat us down. We're stronger than they are . Stay strong. Take a long break from this madness and focus on your family ... wife ... pets ... laughter. More than anything he wants us all to give up. I won't. I can't. And neither will you. Just walk away for awhile. In the end we'll all get thru this.

Laurelin

(779 posts)
9. Take a break
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 01:29 AM
10 hrs ago

Don't give up, but take care of yourself. Maybe check in to the lounge on DU so your friends here won't worry ( after all, we're in the same boat, and we don't need more worry). But you and your wife both sound like you need a break. Touch some grass, watch a funny show or movie, something fun that does not involve the psychopaths ruining our country.

Alternately, try to join a physical protest or action somewhere. Hang out with some like minded people who are DOING something. That's my daughter's coping mechanism. It works for me too but lately I've been too sick so I've resorted to meditation, prayer, yoga.... and I need breaks from the news sometimes.

Seriously, we can't vote if the stress kills us.

Bread and Circuses

(1,669 posts)
10. Some suggestions
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 01:41 AM
10 hrs ago

Hi Lucky Charms,

I understand. I use a variety of tools to help me - all through my life. .
^^^ Try the lovingkindness meditation or prayer. You can use your own words, it’s the opening of one’s heart that creates the space . I send blessings not only to friends and families but to those who have harmed me or others. In the political sphere, Yes . The angry , narcissistic, jealous, and cruel people do need to be surrounded by love and light. Perhaps they will reach out and let the Beauty inside.

May You Walk In Beauty!


Some Ideaa:
Chanting, Mantras
Affirmations,
Listening to Solfeggio frequencies,
Aromatherapy oils and sprays
Sleep mask for calm ( lavender )

Please DM if you wish me to send you more resources or would like to discuss more. Also, anyone else.

——-
And reciting the METTA Sutta ( Loving-Kindness chant)


Lovingkindness Meditation Script

Lovingkindness Script
Silently whisper each phrase to each category of people below. Get seated in a comfy position in a quiet space.
Along with a gentle focus on the phrases, try to sense the feelings of lovingkindness in your body & heart.

1. To Yourself
May I be kind to myself.
May I be filled with unconditional love.
May I accept myself just as I am.
May I be at peace and at ease.
2. To A Loved One
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
3. To Someone Neutral
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
4. To Someone Difficult
May you be kind to yourself.
May you be filled with unconditional love.
May you accept yourself just as you are.
May you be at peace and at ease.
5. To All Beings Everywhere
May all beings everywhere be kind to themselves.
May all beings everywhere be filled with unconditional love.
May all beings everywhere accept themselves just as they are.
May all beings everywhere be at peace and at ease.

cer7711

(608 posts)
11. Have you heard of lucid dreaming?
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 01:52 AM
10 hrs ago

Google it.

You can train yourself to take control of your dreams and instantly end a nightmarish scenario.
When you partially awaken but are not yet fully conscious you can visualize any combination of shield/repellant/scene change necessary to "slay monsters" and/or reset a terrifying scene into a soothing, pastoral one.

There are simple techniques you can practice, such as pre-visualizing what you will do if confronted by a terrifying scenario in REM as you drift off to sleep. Simpler is better. Again, tons of info online if you wish to Google it.

I wish you well! And restful, restorative sleep going forward.

PS. And yes, this technique works. I can personally vouch for it.

PPS. As for the horrors of the real world, well.... those we must work together to end.

ultralite001

(2,380 posts)
17. 100%...
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 03:31 AM
8 hrs ago

Night terrors can be beaten… harnessed… channeled…

It may take a dream or two to prepare for the battle, but it is so worth it…

Tell yourself to remember the dream upon waking…
Remind yourself you are not powerless even though you are asleep…
Upon recalling the dream, find the source of harm… This may recur in different dreams…
At that point where you wish to rouse + end the dream, tell yourself — stop… turn around…
Look back at the dream w/ new eyes…
+ because it’s a dream, make use of whatever skills or tools you need to beat your dream-nemesis… (I’ve landed the plane rather than crash; I’ve driven a screwdriver through the hand of someone “screwing” w/ my daughter; I’ve found a pen when all I had for an exam was a “Neversharp” pencil — terrifying dreams, eh???)
The sense of relief + power on awaking are transformative…
(+ yes, your brain may use bizarre word clues to help you through these troubles)…

Hope you find relief soon..: I’m sending restful thoughts…

Collimator

(2,091 posts)
12. Please accept my sympathies.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 02:11 AM
10 hrs ago

With your indulgence, I am going to pass along a suggestion that is given to people with cutting disorders, of all things. Consider holding an ice cube firmly in your hand. Naturally, it will be uncomfortable, and that is the point.

Feel the sharp, mildly painful sting of the cold object in your hand and focus on the sensation. Let the pain in your hand displace your awareness of all the pain in the world, which, unfortunately, you are carrying in your soul.

Live in the moment of pain and let your hand carry the burden for as long as you can stand it. It may help to divert your mind from inducing worse symptoms throughout your body. As an additional benefit, the cold may calm your heart rate somewhat.

Beyond this small, practical action, I have no answers or advice for you. But, as many here have pointed out, you are not alone in your struggle. I hope that this knowledge offers you some small comfort.

crimycarny

(2,039 posts)
13. I have a sort of double whammy
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 02:12 AM
10 hrs ago

The 4 year anniversary of my son’s death (suicide) is coming up on 4 years next week. My son and I talked politics ALL THE TIME. Mostly him reading up on things and getting outraged or upset. He was a “Bernie” vote in the primary in 2016.

So I’ve got my son’s loss combined with the daily barrage of catastrophic news after catastrophic news.

What I started doing, which is so hard (for me anyway), was to tune out of all news, all social media, and watch “feel good” movies based on true stories. “Flamin hot” about a janitor at Frito Lay who came up with the idea of flamin hot Cheetos. “Air” about Nike (Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman), whatever will distract me in a good way.

I think a lot of people are where you are. This world doesn’t make sense with evil winning, even thriving, and good people suffering. 71% thinks the US is out of control under Trump, 71%!!

. Nightmares are awful because you feel the same emotions as if it actually happened. I definitely understand

peacebuzzard

(5,818 posts)
16. So sorry that is tough,,,,
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 03:25 AM
8 hrs ago
i feel your pain….

sheshe2

(96,256 posts)
14. ...
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 02:12 AM
10 hrs ago

peacebuzzard

(5,818 posts)
15. So sorry....
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 03:17 AM
9 hrs ago

I kind of know a little about waking up in the middle of the night i routinely suffer from this
It’s a sinking feeling; I am always glad when this happens and I’m in my own house and my sweet Chico the sweet street cat I adopted is laying quietly at my feet.
My sweet cat makes my insomnia more bearable as well as all of the mental burdens. I travel quite a bit and it’s awful to wake up in a place far away and with that same old gnawing anxiety. I totally get it…..

I am so sorry LuckyCharms, I hope the rest of this middle of the night and rest of this terrible travesty we go through gets resolved. I hope you find deserved sleep……

mahina

(20,475 posts)
18. /Are you taking any new meds or dosage changes
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 03:44 AM
8 hrs ago

Twice in the last couple of years, I've had heavy duty nightmares, super realistic, after a medication change her dosage change. Only reading into the weeds on the medication's revealed to that that is sometimes a side effect. I guess I'm hoping there's something you can change to avoid it. I know what it feels like to not wanna go to sleep because of them.

Really hoping that whatever it is works itself out and you're healed. Do me a little favor and sprinkle some salt around your sleeping area. I can't bless it for you, but you can for whatever that's worth.

Good luck LC, sweet dreams.

Donkees

(33,472 posts)
19. IMO, Most of those gifs you posted yesterday are the stuff of nightmares
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 04:50 AM
7 hrs ago

The day before that, the emotional story about your uncle, you sorting through old photos, etc., increases stress. Even you being "ecstatic all day'' increases stress. It's like a swinging pendulum instead of being centered.

malaise

(293,431 posts)
20. Do whatever you need to stay well
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 05:49 AM
6 hrs ago

Tesha

(21,104 posts)
21. Overload, you're both on overload
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 08:32 AM
3 hrs ago

It's just to much for anyone, but good and kind people don't just hear shit and let it pass.

We feel it, we internalize it.

Can you get away? Long drive? See something pretty? Stop thinking for a bit?

I've been watching old movies, black and white, good guy wins, bad guy gets it. It seems to be giving me the space I need,

Hugs to you both, having someone to share feelings -not facts, but personal stuff, physical stuff- helps.
(We made spaghetti with sardines together last night, laughed a bit, watched some non-political youtube sciency stuff)

Alice B.

(711 posts)
22. I'm so sorry. You're not alone though. I've been waking up with a pounding heart
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 08:39 AM
3 hrs ago

… and also having it start to pound at random times. I started anti-anxiety meds a week ago.

A friend and I were talking about how we know doomscrolling isn’t good for us but we’re afraid of being blindsided by the next thing. I also tend to play a game with myself, looking for something hopeful to stop on but… it’s like picking a scab. I was like this after the Biden debate fallout, settled down during the campaign but then got back on the hamster wheel on election night. I’ve been there ever since.

Tommy Carcetti

(44,428 posts)
23. I've been having some weirdly vivid dreams lately.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 08:40 AM
3 hrs ago

I had one a few weeks before any of this ICE business erupted in Minnesota where I was in the middle of a city and people started blowing whistles because there was an impending ICE raid.

More recently, I had a dream that a B-52 bomber flew 50 feet over my house and dropped a dummy bomb on my driveway.

It's beginning to slip into the subconsciousness, I believe.

Nittersing

(8,151 posts)
24. I have never remembered my dreams
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 08:43 AM
3 hrs ago

and now I'm kinda grateful. I do, occasionally, wake up with a soaking t-shirt, so I imagine I'm having some sort of nightmare...

I've been watching a LOT of TCM and Hallmark. I need to see the good guys winning.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»This message was self-del...