Dreams can be complex and can carry various symbolic meanings. Dream interpretation is subjective and can depend on the individual's personal experiences, emotions, and beliefs. The dream you described about drinking water or swimming in the ocean/sea but struggling to breathe properly and feeling suffocated upon waking up can have different interpretations. Here are some possible interpretations:
Anxiety or Stress: Dreams of suffocation or struggling to breathe can be a manifestation of anxiety or stress in your waking life. It could be your mind's way of processing feelings of being overwhelmed or suffocated by certain situations or responsibilities.
Fear of Drowning: If you have a fear of water or drowning, the dream could be a representation of this fear. The ocean/sea may symbolize deep emotions or the vast unknown, and the struggle to breathe could reflect feelings of being overwhelmed by these emotions or life circumstances.
Communication Issues: Water is often associated with emotions, and not being able to breathe properly in the dream might indicate difficulties expressing yourself or feeling unheard in your waking life. The dream may be highlighting a need to communicate better or address issues that are bothering you.
Symbolic of a Life Situation: The dream might reflect a real-life situation where you feel like you are drowning or suffocating, possibly in a relationship, job, or any aspect of your life that is causing distress.
Transformation and Change: Water is also associated with transformation and change. The dream of struggling to breathe while in water might symbolize a fear or resistance to change or personal growth.
Physical Discomfort: Sometimes, dreams like this can be triggered by physical sensations during sleep, such as difficulty breathing or sleeping in an uncomfortable position, which the brain incorporates into the dream narrative.
Remember, dream interpretations are subjective and personal. If you find recurring dreams or emotions from dreams are affecting your daily life, it might be helpful to keep a dream journal, discuss your dreams with someone you trust, or consider speaking with a professional therapist or dream analyst who can help you explore their deeper meanings and potential connections to your waking life experiences.