Carmen Harra, a clinical psychologist in New York, US, has over 25 years of experience in cognitive therapy. Experts offer insights into the meanings of 12 common dreams.

Dreams of falling symbolize a loss of control or fear of failure. Harra states this often relates to anxiety about work, relationships, or major life changes. Similarly, seeing oneself on the edge of a building or cliff carries a related meaning, but is specifically linked to risk, pressure, and the fear of making wrong decisions. It suggests a real-life situation is nearing collapse.

Dreaming of personal or a partner's infidelity does not imply actual betrayal. Instead, it reflects feelings of neglect, abandonment, or insecurity within a relationship.

Dreams reflect human hopes and anxieties from waking life. *Photo: Psychology Today*

Flying symbolizes freedom and a desire to escape reality. Joyful flying reflects self-confidence, while stressful flying indicates a lack of control in life.

Being chased by an aggressive animal or attacker suggests avoiding something you do not want to confront. Experts say you might be evading an issue, an emotion, or a responsibility.

This dream represents vulnerability or the fear of exposure, according to Dr. Carmen. You may fear judgment or feel unprotected in some aspect of life.

Dreams of being late or missing an event reflect a fear of missing opportunities. They also suggest feeling overwhelmed by life's demands or regretting not trying hard enough.

Meeting celebrities in a dream signifies a desire for recognition and self-admiration. Sometimes, the celebrity embodies traits you wish to develop.

Witnessing your own death or that of another often symbolizes transition, the end of an old phase, and embracing change, rather than actual mortality.

This dream implies feeling helpless, restrained, or losing control over certain circumstances.

Taking an unprepared exam signifies performance anxiety. This nightmare often occurs when you are under pressure to meet others' expectations, even long after leaving school.

Losing a phone, wallet, or a loved one reveals anxiety about loss and broken connections. It signals something important is slipping away from your life.

If you experience recurring nightmares, psychological experts advise establishing relaxing bedtime routines such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Another effective solution is imagery rehearsal therapy (Imagery Rehearsal Therapy), where you journal your dreams and actively imagine or rewrite a more positive ending. Additionally, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, and avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime, contributes to deep sleep and prevents bad dreams.

Bao Nhien (Source: Daily Mail)