- [Narrator] Hey, Psych2Goers.
Have you ever wondered what your nightmares really mean?
Could your subconscious be trying to tell you something?
Many psychologists work with their patients
to interpret dreams.
Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis,
believed repressed concepts and wishes
could be found in dreams.
While your own dreams likely have personal meanings
that only you can interpret.
There are a few common nightmares
that have been said to have some strong meanings.
So, here are six common nightmares
and what they really mean.
Number one, being unprepared for a test.
Have you ever had one of these dreams?
Many people seem to.
You haven't studied at all for the important test
when suddenly, you find yourself seated, ready to take it.
The clock quickly starts to tick
and you have no idea what the first answer is.
This type of nightmare, where one finds themselves
unprepared for the important test or assignment
represents a lack of confidence.
You obviously can't take the test since you haven't studied,
so any confidence in acing the exam is absent.
This nightmare could also mean
you're having a tough time advancing
to the next phase of your life.
Number two, drowning.
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a dream?
If so, this could mean
you've been feeling overwhelmed lately.
In the waking world, you find yourself emotionally involved
in a commitment or situation.
You may find yourself in over your head
and engulfed in the deep end of the situation.
See what I did there?
Number three, teeth falling out.
Have you ever woken up from a nightmare
frantically feeling to see if your teeth have fallen out?
Well, if you have dreams where your teeth fall out,
this could be symbolic of any insecurities
of your appearance.
You make it anxious about how others may judge you
or your appearance.
If you often have strong feelings of embarrassment
or fear of rejection, this is likely more true.
Number four, being chased.
Who hasn't been chased in a dream before?
It can be pretty terrifying.
And it may feel as if your legs suddenly stop working
right when you need to run.
If you find yourself chased in a nightmare,
this could really mean
that you're running away from something
in real life as well.
Maybe you've been avoiding something important.
Maybe you don't like to face these issues as you should be.
Some believe that whoever is chasing you
could be a representation of a part of you.
Are your feelings of anger coming back to haunt you?
And let's hope not.
Better try to wake up
and practice working through your anger or fear
with a counselor or talk about it with someone you trust.
Number five, being late or missing an event.
Have you ever been late to an important event in your dream,
a theater performance, an important job interview,
how about being late to that test
you weren't prepared for?
Being late or missing an event
can mean that you feel you're missing out on an opportunity
to feel fulfilled.
Time is seemingly running out for you
and it seems you must hurry and make a choice.
You may be anxious about a big discussion in your life
that may steer you towards an entirely new path.
It's best to take a breath and realize
you have enough time to figure this out.
Talk with someone about this important decision
or lack of fulfillment.
You may not be as fearful when a new opportunity arises.
It could lead you somewhere new.
And this doesn't always have to be a scary thing.
It can be exciting too.
And number six, being naked in a dream.
What a classic.
Being naked in a dream.
Suddenly, you find yourself in a crowded auditorium
and nothing but your underwear or nothing at all.
This can symbolize a fear you have of one day being exposed.
Your emotional insecurities out for everyone to see.
Maybe you're not as vulnerable as they should be.
Maybe you attempt to put on a strong face
when really being more vulnerable is the release you need.
This dream could be a reflection of that
as well as feelings of uncertainty about a topic,
or about yourself and who you are.
It's okay to be more vulnerable around those around you.
One of the worst feelings is pretending
to be someone you're not.
So, don't shy away from those feelings.
Show the world who you are,
and just maybe not all of you.
In your next dream, it's best to keep your pants on.
So, which nightmare have you experienced before?
What do you think it means?
Or are there any symbols in your dream
that led you to an interesting interpretation?
Let us know in the comments.
We'd love to hear from you.
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