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How can I stop being paranoid?

147 Answers
Last Updated: 07/05/2020 at 5:41pm
★ This question about Anxiety was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
whimsicalMoment68
September 23rd, 2015 9:53am
You need to try to realize that thing that you are afraid of is not really there, but it really depends on what you are paranoid about :)
Laena
September 25th, 2015 3:50am
Look around and observe your surroundings. Ask yourself what your concerns are, and then check your environment to see whether or not your concerns are tangible. Do you think people are talking about you, for example? ARE people talking about you? It's ok to ask!
Pafrantenn
September 26th, 2015 3:35am
First, think of what makes you that way, then take a few deep breaths and calm down. If you can, find a quiet area where you can be alone for a bit to clear your mind and body of stress and straighten out your thoughts.
Anonymous
October 21st, 2015 9:49pm
Relaxation of some form can help. Trying to calm yourself by doing enjoyable things could also help. If you find that your paranoia is becoming unbearable then speaking with a psychiatrist may be of further help.
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2015 4:28am
Although paranoia can be a very serious issue (seek a doctor's advice if severity is high), a way to decrease being paranoid so often is to occupy yourself with other things, so that you are not thinking of that particular situation so much
cemeterychick79
October 22nd, 2015 4:26pm
find someone you can talk through your worries with. sometimes talking about fears - even silly ones can bring a new look to things and help your mind out.
peacefulBreeze73
October 23rd, 2015 12:40am
Identify what makes you feel that way. This is the first step to getting through it. For example, think about the experience you are going through and try to find a trusted person to confide in
MintyBruh
October 23rd, 2015 9:17am
Taking care of your thoughts helps, •Ask yourself how likely it is that the pessimistic thought you're having will come true.
FeelBetterSoon
October 23rd, 2015 11:44am
The fact that you admit to being paranoid means that you probably aren't and just fear that you are. Consult with a therapist.
ashleyflower
October 24th, 2015 3:37am
Let go of all the things that are stressing you out. Once you stop caring and do what makes you happy and not care what anyone else thinks about you then the paranoia seems to disappear.
DanielRiot
October 24th, 2015 6:34pm
meds can help but to truly get rid of it could take years. it will be hard but you can do it.it wont go away in one night just as you did not get paranoid in one night. but i believe in you.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2015 2:23am
Paranoia can be very daunting and difficult to cope with. Sometimes it helps to have someone help you deal with your concerns. If I have a paranoid thought, I will call a friend and she can help me assess how valid it really is. That usually helps me- along with some relaxation exercises. Remember: "Don't believe everything you think."
GoodnessSeeker
October 25th, 2015 6:35am
I make sure that everything will be fine, not hurting. I believe that no one can make me paranoid than الله
Anonymous
October 28th, 2015 12:30am
To stop being paranoid remember most of the time of only if your head and it's just fear trying to control you. Don't give it the time of day
Dreamstalker251214
October 28th, 2015 3:18am
Meditate and trying to take control from that .Trying to focus on what actually matters in your life
Anonymous
October 28th, 2015 5:23pm
Try to think of the best and worst case scenarios. Things may be bad right now, but they're not forever!
Kayla1313
October 29th, 2015 6:15am
One tip I learned in a psychology class is to rationalize with yourself. If you paranoid that a noise was someone breaking in, remind yourself that that is unlikely.
wishfulLove47
October 29th, 2015 2:45pm
Rationalize anything that makes you feel sucpicious and stresses you out. Talk about it with somone mature and trustworthy. They will not judge you, but help you see what you're exaggerating about.
HopefulJet61
October 29th, 2015 10:34pm
The more you obsess over something the more you make it true! You should always throw in a positive thought every time you get this feeling. Ask yourself what is the postive here instead of seeing the negatives right away:)
Iknowwhatcrapfeelslike
October 30th, 2015 11:54am
Being paranoid is something in the mind. Like most things. When looking at a cup of water, you can either think it's a gorgeous cup and the water looks delicious or you can think that the design is awful and it is filled with poison. Perspective is everything. I think trying to train yourself to always think the positive and not always think that the negative outcome will always happen will help you feel more relaxed. It is difficult though; the brain is a place that loves to go wild. Don't let it fester though. Good luck. Realise that you are in control of your perceptions. It's amazing how you can literally change how you view something from one minute to the next.
ScorpioDolly
October 30th, 2015 11:14pm
Try to catch yourself. If you find your mind drifting to paranoia, breathe and try to replace the negative assumptions and thoughts with something more positive - rationality is the key
HakunaMatata96
November 1st, 2015 2:47am
You need to learn to be comfortable with yourself and surroundings and if you ever have any worries, speak to people you know you can trust and that can be there to support you!
Naydervader1
November 1st, 2015 5:48pm
Stop allowing your mind to think about whatever is making you paranoid. Put yourself in a happy and fun situation. Go be with friends and or family. If it's really making you uncomfortable, talk to your family or a counselor about it. Figure out what the issue is and address it. It's totally okay to feel paranoid.
Abbyhereforyou
November 4th, 2015 5:26am
answer: be confident and be ready. do not overthink things and stay in the shadow of your thoughts..
CleanSlateNate
November 4th, 2015 3:04pm
Overcome pessimism, stop obsessing over every little thing, confide in a close friend, stay busy, put yourself in someone else's shoes, see if your paranoia is rooted in anxiety, and last but not least, seek professional help if it's necessary. I wish you the best. - Nate
AlexisNicoleMN
November 4th, 2015 6:19pm
I wouldnt say "stop" being paranoid. But you can ease it. Maybe go out with some friends or play a game with the family. Do fun things to take your mind off!
Anonymous
November 5th, 2015 3:56am
You can stop being paranoid by looking up resources on the Internet that can help you and give you tips and advice to help and assist you in the long run. Think of the bigger picture and you will get far, my friend.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2015 3:42pm
For me, this works. Think about the worst case scenario, then think of how you could still make it.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2015 1:34am
Paranoia comes in many ways. Especially if you care for something you will be more paranoid for that thing or person. Its good to leave a gap of possibilities where even if you are paranoid or not things can happen so its no use being paranoid about it. Rather try precautions and give it your best.
Quinny1
November 6th, 2015 1:37am
Man I've had so much troubles with paranoia! it got to the point where i thought that i was being watched or followed all the time. Even when I was completely safe and knew that there was nobody wanting to hurt me. How I learned to let my paranoia go was everyday when I woke up or every time i felt afraid I would tell myself these things: - I am loved - I am safe - If i need help I can easily get it - And i would surround myself with people I loved so that I wouldn't get trapped in my own panicking thoughts.