Life is bewildering and unpredictable. It can be surprising and confusing and this is what makes life scary. No wonder there are a number of people who develop personality disorders such as paranoia. This mental health issue seems uncommon but it exists and needs serious attention.
What is paranoia?
There are three main types of paranoia. These are paranoid personality disorder, paranoid or delusional and paranoid schizophrenia. People who fall to this category are often labeled as strange, peculiar or odd.
Paranoia is this extreme, unrelenting feeling of being threatened and suspicious about the people around you. You constantly think that someone is out to get you and harm you in any possible way. You look at people with so much mistrust and doubt.
When you are in paranoia, you do not let anything slide. Socializing and connecting with other people become impossible because you always think that someone is plotting against you. Most times, these are just exaggerated feelings and thoughts that wane your confidence.
What causes paranoia?
Paranoia can happen to anyone. Until now, it is still unclear on why this condition develops. There are several factors perceived responsible for this but more studies are still ongoing to better understand the causes.
Family History
Medical experts believe that coming from a family with a history of paranoia or any mental illness can contribute to its cause. The scenes witnessed during the breakdown of a family member can cause trauma and scarred one’s mind. However, it is still open for debate up to this day.
Traumatic Events
Life-changing, traumatic events can deform your thoughts and behavior. It could be abuse, accidents, death or even a job loss. It breeds fear, contempt, anger, wariness and abandonment. This is where suspicions of other people’s intentions start.
Alcohol or Substance Abuse
Using and even withdrawing from alcohol and substances alter your brain chemistry. Alcohol and drug misuse, abuse and withdrawal affect how your brain functions. They not only cause paranoia but also inhibit self-control, judgment and decision-making.
Toxins or Chemicals Exposure
There are enough studies and evidence that show how toxin and chemical exposure cause paranoia and other psychiatric disorders. Pesticides and heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic are possible contributing factors to depression and anxiety.
Insomnia
Sleep deprivation is not solely associated with heart problems, diabetes and other serious medical problems but it can also lead to hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. It disconnects you from the real world and your exhausted brain will fail to make good judgments and decisions.
Medical Conditions
Paranoia is a symptom for some mental health problems and physical illnesses. Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and strokes can lead to paranoia. When you are consistently having paranoid thoughts, you will likely develop anxiety, depression and low self- confidence. Paranoid delusions can also happen during psychosis.
Stress
Stress can greatly affect one’s mental stability. Stress at work or at home can lead you to isolate yourself from people you are close with. The thought of having so many people relying on you exhausts your body and mind.
What are the symptoms of paranoia?
It is not easy to detect paranoia especially at this time where people have become more conscious and careful because of what is happening in the world. It is also tough to admit to yourself that possibly you are paranoid.
Easily offended
You are too emotional and delicate. No one has the right to criticize or say bad comments about you. Whenever friends miss to greet you, you instantly think that they hate you.
Prefers to be alone and away from others
Being with people stresses you out because you do not know what they are thinking about you. You are so sure that they are only saying bad things about how you look, dress or talk.
Difficulty in trusting family, friends, colleagues
You think and feel that people around you will only bring you pain. Even your family and close friends have a hard time gaining your confidence and trust.
Overly suspicious when people are befriending them
Whenever they show interest in you, you assume that they are after something. You are wrapped with suspicions and doubts that you only see the worst in people.
Thinks that people are campaigning hate against them
Whenever someone says unpleasant things about you, in a snap, you know that they are there to ruin you. You are so positive that they are spreading rumors about you so that other people will hate you, too.
Cannot confide or talk to anyone
As much as you want to connect and build relationships with others, your paranoid thoughts about cheating or betrayal appear. You are not comfortable and you do not feel safe when you discuss to others your thoughts and feelings.
Aggressive, bitter and rude
Bottling up your feelings leads you to be unkind and violent. Instead of enjoying life, you tend to constantly worry about how you can get even with people who you think dislike you.
Feels misunderstood, judged and persecuted
You always feel that you are the victim. You pity yourself because no one seems to understand what you are going through. Whenever a friend approaches you to help, you dismiss them because you are scared that they will take advantage of you.
What are the treatments for paranoia?
Medications
If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, you will be prescribed antipsychotic drugs. These drugs will reduce your symptoms and prevent it from getting worse. Other medications prescribed are antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and mood stabilizers.
Therapies
Attending therapy near me and counseling sessions do wonders to your mental health. It allows your body and mind to work together and battle against the symptoms. Many can attest that these treatments are helpful and effective.
Mindshift Psychological Services provides treatments for paranoia such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy near me and Psychotherapy for Individuals. These treatments are best known for minimizing anxiety and depression. In addition, CBT and psychotherapy aim to develop better communication and thinking skills of patients. These gradually enhance their ability to trust others, manage their behavior and express their emotions.
If you want to know more about these treatments, you can visit their website. You can also contact them at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
