The central theme of your dream seems to be an overwhelming sense of impending catastrophe combined with elements of destruction and survival. This nightmare can be seen as a powerful confrontation with your own unconscious fears and anxieties.

From a Jungian perspective, the dream's setting—a chemical plant, which is associated with transformation and potential danger—suggests that there are significant changes or volatile elements in your life or psyche that you are grappling with. The nukes represent an explosive, all-encompassing force of destruction, indicative of uncontrollable forces or emotions within you. This could symbolize a fear of annihilation, be it personal, professional, or a broader existential dread.

The pterodactyl-like creatures emerging from the ground might represent primal, archaic fears coming from the depths of the unconscious. These creatures attacking people indicate that these primal fears are not just dormant but active and threatening your conscious world. Seeking refuge with a random family symbolizes a need for support and community in times of crisis, suggesting that you might be feeling isolated or in need of social connection and safety.

Finding your girlfriend dead during your scouting mission introduces a deeply personal element of loss and grief into the dream. This could symbolize a fear of losing loved ones, or it might reflect a fear of the death of certain aspects of your relationship or yourself. Tears upon waking underscore the emotional weight and the profound sense of loss and vulnerability you experienced.

The interaction of these elements points to a conflict between the conscious awareness of your daily life and the unconscious fears that reside within you. The nukes, pterodactyls, and dead girlfriend all highlight different facets of destruction, fear, and loss, suggesting that your psyche is trying to process and integrate these overwhelming emotions.

The dream’s transitions—from the nukes to the pterodactyls to the hiding and scavenging, and finally to the discovery of your girlfriend’s body—reflect a journey deeper into the unconscious and through layers of fear toward a confrontation with profound personal loss. This journey can be seen as a call to confront and integrate these deep-seated fears and emotions.

In terms of Jungian concepts, the dream touches on the collective unconscious, especially with the pterodactyls symbolizing ancient, archetypal fears. The dream also reflects the individuation process, where facing and integrating these fears and losses is crucial for personal growth and self-understanding.

One actionable piece of advice based on the dream's message would be to find a way to confront and process these deep fears and anxieties in your waking life. This might involve seeking out a supportive community or relationship, engaging in reflective practices such as journaling or therapy, or finding ways to safely explore and understand the sources of these fears. By doing so, you can begin to integrate these shadow elements and move towards a more balanced and conscious self.