Beth, USA
Since I was four, I've had trouble sleeping. I feel as if someone's going to get me at night or break in. When completely alone, I barricade myself into a single room, set the alarm, keep my dog with me, but still have trouble sleeping. Every night it's the same thing: Check windows and doors- Make sure everything is locked- Hear if there is any disturbances or noise- Don't look around the room; my mind makes me see human figures. I've had a panic attack because I thought someone was chasing me, and I usually get goosebumps when I'm alone because I can imagine someone coming around the corner. Stay away from horror movies : one of my number one rules. I also have terrible, gory nightmares.
Ryan, Luton
In general Imp paranoid about almost everything. Every nice compliment or comment I get given I take it as sarcasm, or I think the person will go away and laugh at me behind my back. Imp scared to leave closet doors open, any doors, Cupboards, Curtains, Anything Like that I simply will not leave open. Imp always paranoid that imp being watched, or that people are plotting against me, Every time I walk over to my friends, if the air goes silent or cold, imp always paranoid they hate me. Or sometimes if I walk over to people and they snigger or jerk a bit, I get worried there plotting against me. I get worried about going the shop, Being followed, Crossing the road all stupid things. When I walk past people, I always get the feeling there watching my back. or they will throw something at me. Imp stupid because I provoke things by trying to be me too much. The fact I have more hair than other boys puts me down too. I like it, but I fear it makes me hated by others just for being myself. I always feel guilty about everything minor I do, and it will play on my mind forever. I always think everything I do sucks, and I'm no good for nothing, and i'm always paranoid that nobody likes me. Not even my family. I seriously need help coz people are starting to notice. There's so much more, But I just don't wanna rant too much.
Janice, UK
Having gone through an abusive childhood both physical, verbal, mental and sexual I have suffered with severe depression now for over 10 years. Recently, following the break up of my marriage, I have started having paranoid thoughts. I constantly feel that I am being followed when I am driving the car. I have taken alternative routes to evade my followers and on one occasion really believed my abusive parents were following me. At other times it is the Social Services. I constantly have these thoughts and at the time can not justify them, become anxious, panicky and afraid. Only after can I calm down and quantify them. I also have had paranoid thoughts about people coming into my garden, re-arranging the plant pots etc and my home where I have thought someone has been in and moved something. When they are happening I go completely crazy and have even hit myself to make the thoughts go away. Sometimes I feel that I am losing my mind completely. My doctor has now put me on Olanzapine and they are somewhat easier to handle but still frighten me and make me feel confused and violated.
Jess, Ireland
Lately I have been extremely paranoid. I mean ever since I was little I was always worried. See me and my mom have been taking walks lately its usually at night Its like every person I see is a rapist or killer even though they are harmless and every car I see has someone who is going to jump out and try to kidnap us or every parked van has someone in it who is waiting for us so that they can get us in the van. Its really bad at gas stations. I just know I going to get carjacked or I'm going to walk in while the store is being robed and get shot. Since I have had this problem for I while I really am starting to get angry and I just wish I could enjoy something without being worried all the time
Gemma, USA
I always feel that people are talking about me. I can't seem to have a good time at work, church, school or any place because I feel that people are saying bad things about me. When people I have been around smile at me, I feel that their smiles are vindictive because they know something bad about me. I have sabotaged relationships due to this horrible habit I have..I want help fast.