I know that we fight paranoia with meds, but I’m wondering if anyone does any self talk or reality checking when things start to feel a little shaky.
Or is it really just the meds that help?
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My Olanzapine significantly decreases my paranoia.
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If I’m aware that I’m becoming paranoid I’ll do an evidence-for, evidence-against list for whatever I’m becoming paranoid about, but I’m usually too far into the paranoia to make the list.
I spend a lot of time in my home office, and I’ve noticed that too much time on the computer and/or phone is not good for me. I have a section of the office where I “ground” my self. Ground means my focus is on the here and now, not on past events or the intention of others. I sit on a comfortable chair with my headphones on, close my eyes, and listen to binaural beats (has to be headphones). I’m mindful of my breathing (you can also focus on a word or picture ).That’s my sole focus.
It also helps me when I go outside among people (I’ll call that immersion). Sleep is very important (as I write this at 1:15 am) and also diet (low or no caffeine and sugar).
Sometimes I feel that the world is moving too fast, and I have too many things to do in too little time. I can’t slow the world down, but I can slow my world down.
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Brilliant. Thanks for writing that, i think it’s going to help me a lot.
Paranoia is by far my worst symptom and i still dont know how to combat it, other than meds. Thanks again for that, should be obvious, but not to my impaired brain. Needed someone to tell me.
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Yeah, I do reality checking with my father, whether in person or via text. Not just that, but I try to refocus my priorities; basically, what do I want to think about and do. In addition, I do what I call to be past reality checking. Its when I look back before my schizophrenia, and try to see that I was not followed then, so it must be the paranoia from schizophrenia.
All this I’ve learned in therapy.
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not sure what this has to do with paranoia,
but I talk to myself all the time.
even online.
it’s kinda like talking to someone else,
and then imagining their response,
and saying That too. ha.
I’m okay though.
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Paranoia is a ■■■■■.
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I grew out of it. Not sure what the key was, but it may have been making peace with the idea that my fear might be true (eg. being watched). Then as I moved on, I could see more and more that they weren’t. In other words, I stopped struggling with the fears.
-Albert.
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Coffee makes it worse. Maybe cut down on the coffee?
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I do that sometimes too. I try to remember that I didn’t always feel like this and then imagine what I would think about it if I was feeling better.
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It’s been about 6 months since I’ve had a cup of coffee. It makes a big difference!
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If I sit around people and just let go of everything and relax, I generally feel a whole lot less paranoid. I know the paranoia makes you not want to be around people, but exposure to what you’re afraid of is generally the best medicine (for irrational fears at least).
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I think you’re right. Being around people sometimes helps a lot, even if I don’t want to do it.
I’m always paranoid that people can tell that I’m paranoid, but the truth is what that usually looks like is just me being quiet. People just think you’re shy or moody.
just tell your pdoc about your paranoia and see if meds can help…self talk I would think wouldn’t cut it if you are delusional at all. sorry, it’s an old answer to schizophrenia, but I believe meds are key.
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I have paranoid ideas and ideas of reference and odd thoughts on meds. Biggest thing i found that helps is extroversion in any way that you can. Anything that is outside your own head that keeps your attention and doesnt cause you look inwardly. I play videogames which is probably the most engaging thing i do.
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