Entry: Night terrors Friday, July 28, 2006



More common in children.  You wake up screaming, terrified.  Even when your eyes are open you will most likely still scream and feel terrified for a long time afterwards.  Not to be mistaken as nightmares... this is worse.  It is associated with high levels of stress.

I used to suffer from this quite a bit when I was younger.  Then for about 10 years I haven't had it at all.  Now I have had two in the last two months.  Last night was particularly bad.  I screamed so loudly and so much that Quintus came running into our room, wanting to know whats wrong.  Even I couldn't wake up and stop screaming.  Tommie calmly tried to wake me and after a while I did.  I was petrified.  Scared.  Unable to fall asleep again.  About an hour later I did manage to...hoping I would have another.

While night terrors are absolutely frightening, it also made me realize that should something happen, should someone break into our house, Quintus would come running.  I wouldn't want him ti.  I would want him and his brothers to hide.

My cousin and her husband was attacked in their home a while back.  While they were being terrorized....stabbed....hit, their boys were hiding in their room.  They didn't come out and this protected, kept them safe from the idiots.  I would want my children to do that.

So now I have the unpleasant task of explaining that sometimes our home...their safe haven is not as safe.  That should I scream, they should hide.  Or do I say nothing and hope that nothing ever happens to our family.  I'll take this weekend to think about it.

Yes, we are going away for the weekend.  Today.  Coming back Monday.  I have so been looking forward to this weekend away.  It is also Jason's' birthday on Monday.  He is having a Cars picnic at Klein-Kariba.  That's what he wants, that's what he'll get.

Have a great weekend everyone.  I might update from there, as the resort has an internet cafe, but I'm not promising anything!

   13 comments

Delane
August 1, 2006   07:56 AM PDT
 
My older sister has always had night terrors. Every once in awhile she'll write about one on her blog. They sound terrible.
And so sorry about your cousins, I hope they are okay.
jen34@iconz.co.nz
July 31, 2006   02:06 AM PDT
 
Im praying for u Mel and yes please let us know about your cousin and her family
hope u have a wonderful weekend
Melanie
July 30, 2006   09:53 PM PDT
 
How scary! I've never heard of an adult having a night terror, only children. Do you remember them when you wake up, or do you know you're dreaming while you're having them? Here's to many nights of peaceful, sweet dreams for you!

Have fun celebrating Jason's birthday!
mrs. diamond
July 30, 2006   01:41 AM PDT
 
I'm sorry about the night terrors. And about your cousin. Are they ok? How tramatic.
Wenchy
July 28, 2006   09:20 PM PDT
 
Hope you have a great time.
angel
July 28, 2006   09:04 PM PDT
 
its bloody scary innit- the only thing i've discussed with damien is what to do if we're hijacked- i.e. keep our hands visible and just do as they ask, the same if he gets mugged in the street- he's worth much more than a cellphone or a wallet or a bicycle!
Darcy Fraser
July 28, 2006   08:45 PM PDT
 
Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend away!!! You all deserve it! Happy Birthday Jason!


I'm sooo sorry about your night terrors Melany. {{{HUGS}}}
Candace
July 28, 2006   07:42 PM PDT
 
How awful Melany. I hope you don't ever have to deal with hoping your kids stay put in the event of a home invasion.
Valkyrie
July 28, 2006   05:52 PM PDT
 
I reckon it's time to start on Tommie about Aus...having to tell one's kids that their home is not safe - yep that would finish me. I hope we're out of here before it's my turn to tell the bubby.
iccleanne
July 28, 2006   01:00 PM PDT
 
Sorry to hear about the night terrors. It sounds like you need a holiday, hope you enjoy the weekend with your family.

Could you give Quintus a job to do if he hears you. Thank him for wanting to check you are alright, but that Daddy is there with you, and that's his job. You need him to make sure that his brother is safe (I'm guessing Zander is in your room, not theirs?) and not worried. Maybe some agreement that if Daddy or you call to them by name they come in.

You of course know them better than me.
Broom Girl
July 28, 2006   12:25 PM PDT
 
I hope you have a fabulous week-end away.

Travel Safely!!!!
Bond Girl
July 28, 2006   11:52 AM PDT
 
Difficult decision. Maybe not explain it in so much detail. Maybe just make 2 different scenarios - if you call them by name they should come, if you are just making a noise they shouldn't? Its just a rule.
Lilly
July 28, 2006   09:54 AM PDT
 
Oh, I am so sorry for your night experience... I didn't have it for ages, but still remember how horrible it was. Poor you... You definitely need your weekend off.

About your kids... I just don't know what is better... talk to them means probably to make them feeling unsafe. To make them considering every strange sound in the house as an attack. Make them stressed. But also, maybe, make them alive. It may the same time save them, and cause their problems. I hate the choices like this. I know you will make right decision... if anyone knows what is right in such situation, it is Supermom, hey?

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