Paranoia is getting worse...

[steve1234]

I have been a fairly paranoid person for quite a long time, but recently it seems to be getting worse.

I am paranoid that everyone is looking at me and thinking im ugly, and stuff like that.

After I have a conversation with someone, I start thinking things like 'why did he say it like that', 'does he think im wierd because I said that' and all this stuff. The paranoia is worse when i'm with my friends. Im always analysing everything I say, and everything everyone else says. And after ive met with my friends, I worry about it for ages afterwards.

I just can't relax in public or around any people, i'm always worrying. I only feel relaxed in my house, and I seem to spend more and more time in my room. If I go out, I just feel like a wierd creep.

Any embarrasing thing I have done, even small, can stay in my mind for years.

I just don't know what to do anymore. I often tell myself things like 'it doesn't matter what everyone thinks' and stuff like this. It does work slightly, but not for long. I just go back to my paranoid worrying self.

Does anyone else feel like this? and what can I do to just stop worrying about what everyone thinks so I can just enjoy my life for once.

Thanks :)

[Scarface]

I used to be the same way. Except I would just say very little and analyze not only them, but everyone around me. I would wonder myself, "Why are they looking at me? Am I doing something wrong? I wonder what they're thinking about?" I was always kind of tense because I had no trust in anyone. I didn't trust anyone, it would get to me because I though everything I said was like recorded. The hard part is the self-assurance that no one is judging you. Sometimes when you over analyze things, that's just where everything just seems to get worse and even more paranoia sets in because the thought multiply and think that everyone is pretty much out to get you(That's how I was). The truth is, they're really not.

Like I said the hardest part is the self-reassurance, they're not really looking and turning everything you say and thinking badly of you. They're really not. When I'm around my friends in real life, I try to think of something relaxing so I don't look or feel so tense. Then I just don't over analyze everything they say. I just take everything in stride. You have to convince yourself that they're not. I know home is like a comfort zone where you can really let loose, but try to think of hanging out with your friends like a second home. Think of it as your second escape. That way you can be more at ease. I really hope things get better for you. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm always here.

[Asylum]

i am very much like you my friend... however it's with everyone!!! i get paranoid and anxious,think of the worst sincerios (this morning on the bus what would happen if it tipped over... or a car accident... or someone died... what if i died..? and the list goes on.. ) now to get some peace i have some words that might help ya a bit.

-everything has a purpose and a reason meaning alrght it happened let it go... stop worryig about it, there is a reason for this... it'll be known within time...

- who careswhat other people think? easier said then done i know... but who cares... who cares what Jo Shmo thought about you wearing a pink shirt and high heels? he isn't worth your thoughts... he odne'st even remeber or take notice of what you said , how you said it, or what your wearing, or ow you're walkng... or speaking...

try thinking ok... now do i care if it was the opposite.. or even ask someone what they think? perhaps a close friend to reassure your not doing somehting wrong...

i check my bell schedule 6 times and ask 5 different people to make sure i have the time correctly then i ask a teacher... sooo don't feel bad hun.
hope this helped a bit. pm me if ya need me

[Talchan]

You just described me.

[Syvelocin]

I've been diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, and that's basically how I am. I hate social situations, but when I'm in them, my brain is ridden with things that I know aren't true, but I convince myself of them. When I'm in a room with others, everyone is staring at me (in my mind). Every laugh is about me, every whisper. When I'm speaking and the person I'm talking with doesn't reply, I freak out, thinking about what they might be thinking about me and if I said the wrong thing, then how they are critiquing me. I'm always worried that I might have something in my teeth, or my zipper is down, though these things only happen 1 out of 100 times that worry about them.

You can get anxiety meds for those symptoms. I'm not a pro yet on how to get over those things, I just usually avoid social situations which only makes it worse. Spend more time around people, because staying at home (which I do too) just makes it even more uncomfortable.

[steve1234]

Thanks for all the great replies. Much apprieciated.

I am trying to get into more social situations to try and help get rid of my paranoia, and also trying to convince myself people arn't talking about me etc. It doesn't seem to be working well yet, but hopefully it will as I keep doing it.

[yeahitsbrandon]

i know it may be against your beliefs but doctors can do miracles with medicines..