unfortunately in my case when i woke up i started panicking MORE, because some (in retrospect very weak, but when half-asleep and delirious with panic and paranoia it felt like it was very solid) evidence led me to believe that, perhaps, what i dreamed about was real, or at least that something similar had possibly happened, and that i would have no way of knowing 

i am too embarrassed and ashamed to elaborate on this in a public environment but i think the thing i am trying to say here is that very often i have a difficult time distinguishing reality from un-reality and it frequently has a very strong impact on my mental and emotional state and well-being. 

unfortunately for me when i have a very vivid nightmare there is very rarely a realization that things are fine, or a feeling of relief. it is a flaw. it is a weakness. it is something i need to work on. i hope this isn’t disappointing, and if it is then i am sorry. i am trying to get better.

thank you for your message.