Becky, UK
Since I was younger, say around 12 I've suffered from paranoia (I'm now 29). Walking out of a room and convinced everyone's talking about you, judging you. I used to trip over my own feet walking down the street because I thought everybody was watching me from windows watching the way that I walked so I would really concentrate on my steps trying to walk normally which would end up in me tripping up. I watch people's body movements constantly and listen to the way they speak. I think that I can recognise signs of lying and can't focus on what people are saying if I've seen these signs. I watch TV but my mind wanders about corruption most of the time. I used to abuse drugs a lot in the past and drink lots of alcohol and I can truthfully say that since I stopped the paranoia has gone down a few levels. Oh it's still there but just not so debilitating. I've had the countless checks over my car, I've even been too scared while driving to look in the rear view mirror because I knew I would 'see' the bloke who's there ready to kill me. I wouldn't sleep for hours and hours because I thought as soon as I closed my eyes there would be someone standing there when I opened them. Same as in mirrors.(is this from scary films though?) Recently when my partner used to do his night shifts I was convinced that my son was a product from Aliens and that they would appear at any time to take him. I used to think he was communicating with them with his strange noises and I used to see flashing lights at night.
Scott, USA
I enjoy reading these tips. I haven't been able to find a local support group, so have decided to start one. I believe there is much to gain by meeting with locals going through similar issues and discussing what works. What works for some might also work for me, not to mention the continual support and encouragement we could offer one another. Also, changing thoughts while sitting on a therapist couch a few times a month discussing issues that arose in recent weeks and what I might do or think differently next time they arise doesn't make as much of an impact as calling someone from a local group IN THE MOMENT I AM FEELING FEAR. There is something about talking to a friend who can actually relate to what I am going through that seems immensely powerful in the very moment I am struggling. Besides even if I could still afford the professional I was seeing, I would not be able to reach him every time a thought came up while in a fear cycle. I know much of what I need to do, but need weekly or daily (hourly sometimes) reminders & support. I used to belong to a running group; I realized that was the most consistent and frequent running schedule I had ever accomplished. I believe the same benefits could be found in local groups striving to overcome fear. Does anyone have experience starting a local paranoia group?
John, UK
I've recently just got over an nervous break down last year, my heart wouldn't stop beating..... It felt like I was on the edge of a cliff, and someone had hold of the back of my t-shirt as I was leaning off the edge waiting for them to let go. I had this feeling constant. I started to get thoughts that people were looking at me all the time and every thing is about me , and im really ugly. When i told people these thought they would just say dont be daft you are handsome and that is why people are looking at me but i don't see it on. Also i use to be really confident about my self, really sure of my self I just want the old john back that didnt care about what other people thought.
Sophia, UK
i have lost a lot of friends due to the fact i think there stealing from me calling me names ect, until it hit rock bottom today i stormed through my friends house demanding she was robbing me routing through her drawers emptying her bags, i think every one back stabbs me witch has resulted me into being moody with everyone, i cant sleep at night becuase i am listening for thieves when i have someone coming to see me like a friend i hide all my favorite things so they cant take them from me, i know i need some kind of help but i am too ashamed to tell anybody how it really is and how i really feel and feel like the only one, i dont smoke weed but i used to about 2wice a week when i had alot of friend and used to take some other things on weekend nights out but i cant see this being why please if anyone has any adivce get back to me. X
Ashley, USA
For the past month i have been feeling more not myself..im not as happy,i never smile anymore its more like feeling blank emotionally.but the hardest part to deal with is the thought of being spied on and being followed.I can be at home and feel like someone is watching me out in the woods..or just that feeling of being followed gets to the point to where i just want to cry.the feelings are so AWFUL!