Is Everyone Really Out to Get You?!

The feeling that everyone is out to get you, that is the common perception of Paranoia. But is it really that or are we just too vulnerable and worried about our surroundings that it becomes a routine for us to check around us if someone is looking?

Paranoia is defined as the thought that is influenced by fear or worry and could be very severe to the point of delusion and irrationality.

Some of the causes of paranoia are:

1. A change in the surroundings or environment such as moving to a new school, a new neighborhood, a new job etc.
2. Anxiety or other negative feelings since they lead to the feeling of vulnerability. Also, when a person is irritable or stressed they tend to think the worst of things; therefore, the negative thoughts and reasonings occupy one’s head.
3. Assuming or assigning meanings and conclusions to stuff that are going on. This is mainly where the delusions come from.
4. Early life traumatizing experiences. E.g. being bullied or judged harsh by colleagues, family or friends.

These reasons are directly linked to the self-esteem of a person. Therefore, treatment of this condition mainly focuses on skills of how to adapt with change, strengthening social connections, and working on one’s self-esteem.