Paranoia occurs when you think you are the subject of others’ attention or when you believe that someone is out to get you without any evidence. By having a better understanding of what paranoia is and its symptoms are, you will recognize the importance of getting it treated.
Symptoms of Paranoia
Many symptoms can make you think you are experiencing paranoia. Not trusting others, being overly suspicious, and assuming that people are lying about you or talking about you behind your back may be the first signs that paranoia is beginning. If you feel like there are forces out there that mean to bring you pain, you may become very defensive and doubt those trying to help you.
Causes of Paranoia
Paranoia can be a symptom of schizophrenia as people with this mental health disorder see or hear things that are not really there. Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can also induce paranoia. Likewise, alcohol intoxication can also do the same. While the paranoia typically lasts solely during the duration of intoxication, the consequences can be more severe for people with schizophrenia.
Paranoia vs. Paranoid Schizophrenia
While people with schizophrenia experience paranoid delusions, people with paranoia do not experience hallucinations, cognitive difficulties, and isolation. Both of these mental health concerns differ in the intensity of the belief and the number of symptoms. Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder, whereas paranoia is a symptom of a mental illness or part of a person’s personality.
How to Manage Paranoia
If you feel like you are losing touch with reality, it is essential that you speak to a mental health professional. They will do a good job listening to you and finding the root causes of your paranoia.
It is also essential that you try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as sleep deprivation can intensify your feelings of paranoia. It is especially important to remain substance-free as intoxicants will make your paranoid symptoms worse and lead to increased anxiety.
Taking control of your paranoia will help you see people for who they really are instead of allowing your mind to play tricks on you.
Paranoia can make you feel like people are turning against you. This can be a symptom of mental illness or the cause of other mental illnesses like schizophrenia. It is essential that as soon as you recognize the signs of schizophrenia that you seek treatment for it. At Alta Loma, we are equipped to deal with a number of mental illnesses, and we are here to help you. Our transformative treatment center in Georgetown, Texas, can provide you with individualized therapy, life and coping skills education, therapeutic recreational activities, and more. Call (866) 457-3843 for more information.
