Nightmares

I’d just like to start off by saying that I’ve struggled with nightmares and such before, it’s kinda part of the issues I deal with regarding my anxiety and other disorders. I’ve always had really bad ones that would wake me up but I’m getting more concerned because they are affecting my partner.

I’ve been with my partner for a few months now, and she had always been very helpful and good. She’d wake me up if I started panicking in my sleep and give me water and such. The nightmares even when away for a while. But recently they have resurfaced due to a lot of life stressors. I’ve had a few nightmares that weren’t about her, but I woke up terrified of her. My fear wasn’t directed specifically at her but it was hard to let her touch me or even be near me. The first time this happened she helped me through it but last night was very bad. She was frustrated that I wake up scared of her some times and that she feels helpless in those situations. It’s putting a strain on her, and I don’t know what to do. Especially since she wakes me up 3 or 4 times a night now. I feel horrible and guilty. She tells me that it’s okay and she isn’t mad at me because she knows I can’t help it, but part of me wishes I wasn’t so broken.

I don’t know what to do about the nightmares but I don’t want to keep her up or make her feel upset that she cant help me some times. Any advice on what to do?