That Eerie Feeling

You know that feeling when you wake up after a nightmare? Your body remembers. Your eyes stare wide at the walls, scanning the room for danger. Every little sound is frightening. Every shadow is a threat. Your body knows that you are not safe, and it will not let go of that thought until it knows for sure that it was just a dream. Restless hours pass as you lay shivering, trying to tame your racing heart. That feeling is one I've become far too familiar with. The nightmares have started taking over my day. Physically, I am safe. Physically, I am fine. But I am always afraid that something will happen. I'm always afraid that this life I love will slip away right before my eyes, and I will be a powerless victim. How do I remind myself that I am still awake, and that I am safe? How do I stop seeing nightmares in the middle of my daydreams?