We all feel anxious or scared at some point in our life because of either
false beliefs, trust issues, or illusions. However, it is common for a person
to recognize that they have been wrong and that their fear or illusion is not
a fact. But some people experience recurrent
anxiety
or illusions, which may mean that they have a mental health problem such as
paranoia.
Paranoia includes extreme feelings and thoughts of
anxiety
or paranoia, which are often linked to persecution, danger, or plot. Paranoia
occurs in many mental illnesses but in psychotic disorders, it is the most
severe. When a person believes others are watching, hunting, spying, or paying
excessive attention to them for no reason, they may be experiencing paranoia.
This condition can be a symptom or side effect of several mental illnesses, as
well as intoxication or drug abuse.
Few more symptoms they may display:
-
Difficulty believing or trusting others
-
Acting defensively
-
Inability to compromise
-
Assuming that people around them dislike them, even if they say or do
things to the contrary
-
Believing others are lying to them or scheming against them
-
Constantly feeling threatened by strangers and/or loved ones
-
Trying to harm or stalk them
Although many people experience mild paranoia at some point in their lives –
maybe up to a third of us. This is usually referred to as non-clinical
paranoia. These kinds of paranoid thoughts often change over time – so you
might realize that they are not justified, or that they just stop having those
particular thoughts.
Very severe paranoia also called clinical paranoia or persecutory illusions is
present at the other end of the spectrum. If your paranoia is more severe, you
are more likely to need treatment.
Paranoia can be one symptom of these mental health problems:
-
Paranoid personality disorder
A paranoid
personality disorder
is the mildest form of paranoia, an individual with this condition may fear
and hate the world around them, but they are still able to function in
relationships, maintain employment and participate in social activities.
-
Delusional paranoid disorder
A person with this condition has one major false belief or delusion, usually
without any other sign of mental illness. For example, a person with
persecution delusions will believe that others talk about them behind their
backs, spy on them, and actively plot to harm them. People with hypochondria
believe that they have a mysterious illness or illness and need immediate
medical attention.
-
Paranoid schizophrenia
This is the most severe type of paranoia, and it involves strange, baseless
delusions, such as the belief that thoughts are being spied on by a
government agency. Hallucinations are common with this form of
schizophrenia. People struggling with this condition do not function well in
society and need consistent treatment.
Seek Professional Help
Online counseling is a great place to talk about and troubleshoot your
paranoia feelings. Your counselor will understand that you are in distress,
and will support you while you express your paranoid ideas. Don’t be afraid
that your thoughts do not make any sense. An online counselor is there to
listen to you without judgment, and addressing your experiences will help you
to work through them in therapy. Paranoia can be treated when you talk to a
therapist, and online counseling is the perfect place to do that. Search for
an extensive network of HopeQure
online counselors and
find someone who seems to be an excellent fit for you. Also ready for
anxiety.
Online Counselling & Therapy
Get help for
anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues