How can I stop being paranoid?
147 Answers
Last Updated: 07/05/2020 at 5:41pm
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Top Rated Answers
Confide in a close friend. tell them about what you feel, it's always good to talk, and it will help
It takes a lot of self control ,"You'd worry less what others thought of you when you realize how seldom they do."
Based on what I have had to deal with in the past. I find it is best to take a step back and breathe, take a look at all the facts (trying not to over analyse the situation), this will make you ground yourself to the reality around you. From here you can try identifying which of these facts are the source of your paranoia. Take these facts and as best you can think rationally about how they came to be. Remember to keep calm as possible and think in a realistic way. This will help you deal with eventually stop these factors from triggering you paranoia.
Anonymous
May 24th, 2015 11:37pm
sometimes by finding a hobby or a interest or even talking to someone about it, that can occupy our minds
Anonymous
August 21st, 2015 4:49pm
This is a normal thing that the people around the world have to experience, the best way to stop being paranoid is to go to a therapist and believe that whatever you are paranoid about will not happen and it is not happening.
To stop feeling paranoid, we need to accept that worst case scenarios can happen but that there's no point in worrying about it because it might also NOT happen. There is no reason to worry about future possible events that may not occur. the Famous saying "Cross that bridge when you get to it." comes into play here. After all, you can't cross the bridge if you're nowhere near it.
Anonymous
December 11th, 2015 12:58pm
you need to come to terms with why you are paranoid and what you are paranoid over, you should confront your paranoia fears
Please seek help through support groups, counselling and ask support from your family and close friends. Medications may be necessary; be patient and kind to yourself as you improve your life.
Know the root of it all, then assure yourself with happy and positive thoughts then trust.. never be too greedy with your trust and understand.
Talk to someone you trust and care about and whose opinions you usually respect, talk about your paranoia out loud to that person... sometimes it helps just hearing yourself say things out loud so you can actually hear yourself say it... and process what you've said and thought ... and it's great to be listened to and get some other perspective from a close friend or family member or therapist who doesn't struggle with paranoia.
Trying to put things in perspective can be immensely helpful. Often, anxiety has us looking at something too closely.
One of the most important things for me that I do when I get paranoid is think about how little of an impact I am making when I do something. I am only one in a sea of millions why would someone specifically pick me. I feel more free and much less worried about it after that.
Anonymous
December 30th, 2015 6:22am
Rationalizing is one of the best ways, in my opinion. In your mind have statements like "This can't happen because ________" and find the logical reason behind your fears.
Cognitive behavioural therapy has been said to be benneficial to paranoia. Having a couple good friends who understand your condition can be very helpful too.
To stop being paranoid first you need to stop thinking a lot about whatever the subject is, second you need to think in a logical way and not in an emotional way. Third, you need to take a step back and think should i be scared about it? Fourth ask yourself would it even matter a week from now? The key to stop being paranoid is to think less, take it in a logical way and don't stress about it.
Stop using any labels towards yourself that are harsh or pejorative. You do not have to claim the label of paranoia if you do not want to. Fear is natural and healthy. Feeling uncomfortable around certain situations or people is a totally acceptable reaction. We can stop paranoia through loving processing of fear.
Anonymous
December 12th, 2015 4:00am
I find that the best way to stop being paranoid is to distract myself until those feelings go away. I would do things such as draw, play the piano, listen to calming music or go on a relaxing walk. Do anything that you love and will take your mind off of things. If they still won't go away, try an activity that will require you to use your brain, so that you can focus on what you are doing instead of your thoughts.
Try to think rationally, question yourself. Is this a rational thought? Is it a useful thought? I could be doing something else right now, you can try and distract yourself from these thoughts. From drawing or watching a series. Anything you like!
You cannot necessarily stop being paranoid; you just find ways to cope with the anxiety. Commonly, breathing exercises and filling out a daily planner/calendar can help ease the paranoia.
Anonymous
December 5th, 2015 9:19pm
ive learnt that by opening up to someone about it, addressing the paranoia, can help ease the feeling. Chart why you feel paranoid on a piece of paper, show your friends or family or both and ask them what they think about it
Surround yourself with things that you are familiar with. Allow these things to make you feel safe and comforted
i have trouble with this now i am finding that if i stay in control of my thoughts and try and stay calm i can better control it but we live in a society now where some of you paranoia could be founded in reality other cannot
I'm not paranoid, I'm highly functioning. Just tired and depressed, fatigued, and have pain. My thoughts are usually right on.
I think the best way to stop being paranoid is to learn to look at the world in a more positive way instead of seeing what will go wrong you try to see what is exciting and the good things that can come from the world.
I think it's something you have to ease yourself into. I have PTSD so paranoia has been a huge part of my life in the past little while. I just try to challenge it on the smaller things and build up from there. For me it has worked so far. I still get some pretty strong episodes of paranoia but I am in a better place than I was when I just let my paranoia go unchecked.
Paranoia is not something that you can just stop. With appropriate help such as a psychologist, GP ect. the paranoid thoughts can be lessened.
Anonymous
November 27th, 2015 9:26pm
Being paranoid can be exhausting. It takes time to overcome. Start by training yourself to think a different way. Instead of thinking, 'they are laughing at me', think 'they don't matter. I'm happy as I am.'
Anonymous
July 14th, 2015 4:43am
I find talking to someone very close about what I feel paranoid by is the first step to help me get over paranoia. Usually people are worried and paranoid about certain things and it's helpful to talk to someone who knows you very well and understands your living situation.
One time, I was walking home from my friends place around 10 pm in the dark. When we were walking back, someone was following us. Now, i am terrified of being alone at dark. But, if I take deep breaths and reassure myself that I am stronger than I was now, I can get through it.
Everytime you have a negative thought, figure out 2 positive thoughts to go along with it. Keep a journal or talk to someone you trust with your thoughts, expressing emotion can decrease stress. If you kept a journal, re-read it weekly. You might be able to accept that many of your paranoid beliefs are unwarranted.
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