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For many anxiety sufferers, the worry of the day and the battle to fall asleep is followed by disturbing and sometimes violent dreams. In our dream world we find ourselves doing things that we would never do in real life.

We may even find ourselves acting like criminals, which can be very upsetting.

Dream: "I was walking down a staircase behind my father to get some supplies. Suddenly, I put a knife in his back. Even as I was witnessing the dream I was shocked by my behavior. I am a very quiet, non-violent person who would not hurt a fly. I am upset that this occurred, even though it was only a dream!"

Many anxiety sufferers fear disturbing dreams because they feel out of control and have the mistaken idea that these events will happen in real life.

However, dreams are not to be taken literally. If you dream that you do something violent, it does not mean that this action will occur in reality. Dreams are the unconscious mind's way of helping us to process issues and events of the day.

They can be a useful tool in helping us achieve personal growth. One useful way to interpret a dream is metaphorically, which means that you look at the general meaning or symbolism of the dream events.

Even though it is not a normal daytime experience, death and slaying in dreams is common. Dream interpreters suggest that we approach these dreams of death and slaying symbolically.

They can signify the "death" of an old attitude, personality trait, or behavior pattern. In this way, the whole perspective on the dream is reversed. Instead of a negative, death in the dream is a positive, because it signifies letting go of things that are no longer useful to us. It is the doorway to a new way of living.

According to dream interpreters, the meaning of a dream changes according to who is being killed. For example, killing our parents can symbolize letting go of values they gave us that no longer work for us.

Killing oneself or an intimate peer can point to making vital changes in our attitudes or lifestyle. Killing a sibling can mean letting go of hurtful sibling rivalry or jealousy.

In order to facilitate the growth experience, write the dream experience down in a journal as clearly and in as much detail as possible. Keep the journal next to your bed so that you can record your dreams while the ideas and details are fresh in your mind.

Most dream interpreters agree that YOU are the best person to put meaning to your own dreams.

The key to interpreting your dreams is to approach the dream elements symbolically and then apply these ideas to your own life. In this way most disturbing and violent dreams can become powerful instruments of self empowerment and personal growth.

Caution: If any circumstances occur in which you believe yourself or someone else to be in any kind of danger, medical or otherwise, contact your local law enforcement agency or local emergency medical system immediately. If you are contemplating suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE (that's 1-800-784-2433) to get help immediately.