My boyfriend is paranoid

@BlackAngelOnEarth

Would talking about what he's paranoid about and why help?

He can also create a 7 cups member account and talk to listeners if he wants to try

I find some nice coping skills in this link https://depts.washington.edu/uwhatc/PDF/TF-%20CBT/pages/cognitive_coping.html

@BlackAngelOnEarth

I want to also say that you are a very loving and caring partner who wants to help ❤

Hey BlackAngelOnEarth,

You’re a wonderful significant other. It’s nice you’re willing to help him find resources. As someone who gets paranoid here’s some tips I’ve been using to help myself:

a) He can ask you your boundaries on what is acceptable ground to talk about his paranoia and what he thinks can help him (ex: reassurance) I find saying “is it okay if I get reassurance because I have been thinking about xyz. I recognize I’m paranoid, but I need help getting my body to realize I am” is helpful ( I’m still working on this myself)

b) He can write about why he thinks he’s paranoid and find the real reasons behind paranoia to work on them.

c) He can regulate his nervous system by using ice to calm down. (Changing the focus of his mind)

d) I find podcasts or videos where people have the same experiences helpful so I don’t feel odd or broken, but just a work in progress

e) most importantly, he needs to be kind to himself, he might know how much you love him but he might not understand why you do because he can’t think the same way about it. I found imagining myself as a child to help. Would you think and treat that child the same way you treat yourself now? Mindset is key, but things won’t change overnight. It takes time.

f) for you, if you need a breather it’s always okay to ask. Your boundaries should always come first.

Hope this helps!