I had a series of dreams last night that caused me to wake up extremely depressed and fearful. The thought of my friends disgusted me and I never wanted to wake up again. The dreams were not in any way disturbing in actual content and this is what I find puzzling.

In the first scene my mother forced me to find a new job, as my current one (as a file clerk in a healthcare center) was inadequate. I was forced to take a job at a butcher’s shop carving meat. I am a vegetarian, making this job highly unusual for me. I was not happy doing this, but knew it was the only possible way for me to earn money for college.

In the second dream I was skiing. I am not an avid skier, but found myself teaching a small child how to ski on the bunny hills in order to impress someone (unclear who).

In my third dream all of my friends had decided to physically express their anger rather than talking about it. We were in the school theater (where we spend a lot of our time) and my friend was doing gymnastics on the curtains and lighting equipment. When another friend came in and saw her doing this he began hitting her. Soon, everyone was beating each other up, and no one was talking at all.

In my last dream I drove up to Denny’s restaurant to have breakfast after a school musical (this is where most of my friends go in the morning after cast parties) and I couldn’t find any of my friends’ cars. The parking lot kept getting larger and larger. Suddenly, I was dressed all in black and parading around with a group of people dancing to Marylin Manson music in the parking lot of Denny’s. (not characteristic of me at all)

I have no idea why these dreams disturbed me so much...although my life hasn’t been perfect of late--my first choice college application was deferred and my grandpa was recently hospitalized with cancer...can’t see the connection, however.

- Molly, Age 17, Canton, MI, USA

Hi Molly -

I think your dreams are representing some of the frustration you are feeling right now with events occurring in your life. In the first dream you are forced to be a butcher when you are a vegetarian - not a cool way to earn extra money for college. In the secnd dream you are teaching kids to ski on the “bunny” slopes, but you say you really don’t like skiing, and that you are trying to please someone. Are you contemplating being a snow bunny - cute with looks - to please people and to get your way?

I think the third dream - when everyone acts out their anger instead of communicating - may hold a bit of a message for yourself. Anger often is a difficult emotion to acknowledge - even to feel in ourselves. That is, we can be angry without even knowing that we are. I think the last dream also, where you were dressed in black dancing to Marilyn Manson, also suggests anger and frustration.

Currently you are uncertain about your future (college) and also have the stress of financial worries. And your grand-dad was just diagnosed with cancer, which I am very sorry to learn. I think that instead of acting out your anger (like your dream shows in the acting class, and dancing to Marilyn Manson) that you can instead recognize that you are in a frustrating period and resolve to carry yourself with grace, humor, and a sense of wisdom. It is important to be able to ride out difficult periods in your life without “becoming a victim” - blaming your college, parents, or “life” for your current situation. Besides, things are going to get a lot better for you in just a few months. You’re going to get into college - even though it might not be your first choice, and you’re also never going to have to take a job as a butcher (I don’t think you’re CUT OUT for it!!) :-) And while you may not have as much money as you want right now - it’s important to recognize that money - certainly - isn’t everything. Money can buy a lot of things - but it can’t buy you love - nor can it buy your health.

I think your dreams are reflecting some of your current frustrations - but I wouldn’t get too worked up about them. I suspect that you also have a great deal to be thankful for in your life. Don't forget all the gifts you have! Friends, family, health, a promising career.... These are the essentials, Molly.