What Dreams About Drowning Mean

PDF download Download Article
Decode dreams about surviving a drowning & more
PDF download Download Article

Drowning in a dream can definitely leave you feeling shaken when you wake up. These dreams are very common and might represent emotions and situations you’re experiencing in your real life, like stress, overwhelming feelings, and transformation. Read on to learn what dreams about drowning mean, what specific dreams can symbolize, and how to resolve recurring dreams.

Things You Should Know

  • Dreams about drowning can mean you feel stressed or your emotions feel out of control.
  • Feeling calm and at peace during a dream about drowning might represent positive change and renewal.
  • Rescuing someone from drowning can represent something in your life that you’re losing but want to save, like a relationship or job.
Section 1 of 4:

What do dreams about drowning mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Getting pulled underwater might symbolize situations and emotions that are leaving you struggling to stay afloat in real life. These dreams can mean:
    • You feel stressed and anxious.
    • You’re dealing with overwhelming emotions.
    • You feel out of control or powerless.
    • You’re repressing your emotions.
    • You’re dealing with unresolved trauma.
    • You’re going through a rebirth or transformation.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Drowning Dream Scenarios

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Saving someone or something from drowning. Rescuing a friend, partner, coworker, or pet from drowning might represent something you want to save. This can be a sign that the thing you want to save isn’t taking priority right now. [1]

    For instance, a dream about rescuing your partner can mean other responsibilities are getting in the way of your relationship time.

    Take this dream as a sign to sort out your life and reflect on your priorities. Create an agenda each day to fit in the things that are important to you.

    Watching someone drown. Standing by while someone drowns can symbolize people and situations that are out of your control. This might be stressing you out, so take this dream as a sign to solve the issue and practice self-care . [2]

    Getting saved from drowning. Someone helping you out of the water at the last second might be a reminder to ask people for help . Instead of drowning in job or relationship stress, go to your friends and family for their guidance and support.

    Drowning but surviving. While this dream can feel scary, it’s considered a positive omen of resilience. Holding your own in the water might mirror your ability to overcome challenges in your personal and professional life. [3]

    When a challenge is on the horizon, build up your self-confidence to face it head on. List out your best qualities and take pride in your accomplishments. [4]

    Drowning in a car. In the world of dreams, cars are thought to represent your direction in life. So, losing control of the vehicle and crashing into the water might indicate that your life isn’t going to plan or you’re not achieving your goals. [5]

    Interpret this dream as a sign to set more realistic goals and get your life on track. Separate a big goal into smaller tasks and set a deadline for each one.

    Drowning in a hurricane, tsunami, or flood. Getting washed away by a natural disaster can symbolize fear of the unknown. A change might be looming in the future which is leaving you feeling anxious.

    This dream might be a sign to accept change . Recognize that it’s an inevitable part of life that helps you grow. [6]

    Drowning in blood. Dreaming of struggling to tread water in blood might represent physical and emotional wounds. This can mean you’re healing, but you’re still dealing with some pain.

    Whether the wound is mental or physical, take this as a sign to deal with your hurt. You might prioritize relaxation or confront someone about how you feel.
Section 3 of 4:

Other Common Drowning Dream Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/82\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stress. Dreams are believed to help you process memories and emotions from your daily life. [7] So, the panic you feel about drowning in your dream might point to stressors at work, home, or in your relationships.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this dream might be a sign to relieve your stress . Calm down your body by exercising, meditating, or doing something you love.

    Overwhelming emotions. Water can represent emotions in your dreams. If the water overtakes you and you’re struggling to breathe, this might symbolize fear, anger, guilt, or sadness that is overpowering you in real life.

    Take this dream as a sign to deal with your emotions . Name the emotion you feel and then ground yourself by breathing deeply . [8]

    Lack of control. Getting trapped under water can reflect situations in your personal or professional life that make you feel powerless. For instance, you might feel unable to meet deadlines at work or patch up a fight with a friend. [9]

    Interpret this dream as a sign to face the problems that are overwhelming you. Just break the issue down into smaller problems so it feels easier to solve.

    Repressed emotions. Getting pulled down into the water might mirror hidden feelings that are resurfacing in your real life. Your subconscious might be telling you to deal with your emotions instead of pushing them away.

    Take this dream as a sign to express your feelings . Talking to friends or journaling your thoughts can help you process your emotions and feel lighter. [10]

    Unresolved trauma. If you’re having recurring drowning dreams, this might be a way for your subconscious to process a traumatic experience. Whether this is related to a near-drowning or something else, take this as a sign to meet with a therapist who can help you overcome your trauma . [11]

    If you’re not comfortable talking to a therapist, talk to people who you trust, like your friends, family, or religious leader. Or, join a support group.

    To cope with your trauma, practice mindfulness , hang out with friends, get 8 hours of rest, and exercise. [12]

    Rebirth. Feeling at peace as you drown can be a positive sign of change. This might mean that you’re ready to let go of things that are holding you back and start a new chapter of life. [13]

    For instance, you might quit an unfulfilling job, end a toxic relationship, or get rid of negative thoughts .

    This dream can also be a sign to get out of your comfort zone and change your life for the better. Water is related to spiritual cleansing, so this dream is believed to signify spiritual growth, too.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Dealing with Drowning Dreams

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Dreams-About-Drowning-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Recurring drowning dreams might be related to anxiety or trauma you’re experiencing. If you’re losing sleep, take steps to deal with these issues: talk to a therapist or trusted friend, express yourself, and prioritize your health. [14]
    • Interpreting your dreams can also help you identify related issues, work on the problem, and stop the dreams. [15]
    • When you wake up, write down how you felt, what you were doing, and who you were with. Then, search for a link between your dream and what’s going on in your life.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Drowning in clear water can indicate that clarity is either coming soon, or that you already know the answers or have solutions to your challenges. Murky, cloudy, or brown water can indicate confusion, frustration, and a desire for clarity.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      What Does It Mean If a Deceased Loved One Shows up in a Dream?
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Poop?
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Kissing Someone? 15 Interpretations
      What Do White Feathers Symbolize?
      The Symbolism and Spiritual Meanings Behind Dreams About Tigers
      What Does it Mean When You Dream About a Wedding? 14 Possibilities
      What Does it Mean to Dream of Being Robbed?
      What Does it Mean When You Throw Up in Your Dreams?
      What Does It Mean If You Dream about Your Crush? 13 Dream Scenarios
      What Does Dreaming of a House on Fire Mean? 17 Possibilities
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Crying? 15+ Possible Interpretations
      What Does It Mean to Dream About Wasps? 20+ Interpretations
      What Do Dreams About Yellow Snakes Mean?
      What Does It Mean When You Dream about an Alligator? 11 Expert Interpretations
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://insidemydream.com/saved-from-drowning-dream-meaning/
      2. ↑ https://thepleasantdream.com/dreams-about-drowning/
      3. ↑ https://spiritanimaldreams.com/someone-drowning-dream-meaning/
      4. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/raise-low-self-esteem/
      5. ↑ https://thepleasantdream.com/dreams-about-drowning/
      6. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-anger/202012/change-is-hard-here-s-how-make-it-easier
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-do-we-dream/
      8. ↑ https://www.medicalcenter.virginia.edu/wwp/positive-practices-to-enhance-resilience-and-improve-interpersonal-communication-individual-techniques-1/communication-techniques/dealing-with-strong-emotions/
      9. ↑ https://insidemydream.com/drowning-or-shark-dream-meaning/
      1. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/repress-emotions/
      2. ↑ https://insidemydream.com/saved-from-drowning-dream-meaning/
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma.htm
      4. ↑ https://insidemydream.com/drowning-ocean-dream-meaning/
      5. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/coping-with-emotional-and-psychological-trauma.htm
      6. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/lib/dream-analysis-and-interpretation

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,172 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement