Alexis,
The nightmares you're experiencing with the big angry man symbolize feelings of powerlessness and fear in your waking life. The presence of ghosts representing his victims and their tragic deaths may suggest that you're processing intense emotions or traumatic events that are not directly your own but impact you deeply, possibly through empathy or a strong sense of justice. Being shown their deaths through their eyes indicates a profound connection to others' pain and suffering, which can be overwhelming.
Your subconscious is likely coping with these strong emotions by placing you in a scenario where you're both learning about these tragedies and trying to evade the same fate. Hiding and running from the murderer in your dream could reflect an urge to avoid confrontation or escape from a situation in your life that feels threatening or beyond your control. This might connect to the anxiety you've been experiencing, as indicated by your PHQ-9 test ratings, which show a high level of depressive symptoms.
Linking this to your previous dreams of being unable to move or communicate, and the presence of a menacing figure, there's a recurring theme of immobilization and vulnerability. These dreams might be your mind's way of expressing feelings of being trapped or silenced in certain aspects of your life, where you're yearning to be heard or to break free from an invisible force that's holding you back.
While these recurring nightmares and the emotions tied to them are vivid and unsettling, they're also a reflection of your inner world. Your dream suggests that you're confronting fears, processing difficult emotions, and perhaps dealing with unresolved issues that are seeking your attention. Connecting with these feelings through your dreams is a step towards understanding and, ultimately, empowering yourself to face the challenges in your waking life.
Remember, Alexis, your dreams are a dialogue with your deepest self, reflecting personal struggles, fears, and desires. By exploring these nightly visions, you're gaining insight into your own psyche, which can be a powerful tool in navigating your emotional landscape.