dreams, nocturnal panic attacks, etc. please read question inside!?

Dreams combine our perceptions, preferences, desires, and fears with hallucinogenic processes of the unconscious mind. “Internally generated activity is modulated by sensory input (perception). … Asleep vision (dreaming) is perception not tied down to anything in the real world. … What we call normal perception does not really differ from hallucinations, except that the latter are not anchored by external input.” (pages 44-46)

“A popular model of the neuroscience literature suggests that dream plots are stitched together from essentially random activity: discharges of neural populations of the mid-brain (p. 139)”

In other words, things we see, hear, taste, or feel are incorporated into internally generated mental activity of a hallucinatory nature; therefore, dreams do not necessarily have any meaning; although they may reflect our perceptions, preferences, desires, and fears. If this is disrupting your life, you should consult a psychotherapist.

Do not underestimate the effects of exercise, proper diet (minimal sugar, avoid processed and refined foods; seek out whole grains, fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts), avoiding drugs and alcohol, and getting adequate sleep (consistent each day and preferably more than 7 hours). All of these are essential for optimal physical and mental functioning, and ADHD is also treated in this way. Also, self-absorption can be associated with some level of depression. And, meditation has been proven to reduce stress (many books are available).

Depression self-help: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_te... http://www.helpguide.org/topics/depression.htm

WebMD depression health check:, http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm

National Mental Health Association Hotline

800-969-NMHA (6642)

Self-pity is easily the most destructive of the nonpharmaceutical narcotics; it is addictive, gives momentary pleasure and separates the victim from reality.

John W. Gardner

A man is but the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

The mind is its own place, and in itself

Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.

John Milton, Paradise Lost, Chapter 1 (1667)

If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire - then you got a problem. Everything else is inconvenience.

Robert Fulghum

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. …

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here. …

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann (1872-1945), Desiderata (c. 1920s)