Person who is paranoid

Paranoid people worry that other people are trying to deceive them. They assume the wrong motives of those closest to them. This worry causes them stress, which can lead to deeper paranoia symptoms. Those who suffer from paranoia believe they are always right. Anyone who disagrees with them is perceived as wanting to hurt them. Paranoid people get hostile and stubborn, refusing to cooperate at any level because cooperation would be admitting they are wrong.

Constant fears, worries, and distrust of people make paranoid people high-strung and unable to relax. They believe the government or others are out to get them, so they must be vigilant. If you or someone you love is suffering from paranoia, seek help from a doctor.

The doctor will evaluate to make the proper diagnosis. Here are things you can expect the doctor will do to diagnosis paranoia. Paranoia has no cure, but some treatments can help a person suffering from paranoia live a happier life that is productive. Of course, the treatment will depend upon how severe the condition is and how well the individual responds to the treatment. Treatments for paranoia include the following:. For the person suffering from paranoia, there needs to be a trusting relationship between them and their therapists to reduce their fears and help them with their social skills.

It can take years for a person with paranoia to progress and recover. If you suspect that someone you know or love has paranoia, you may feel at a loss about how to help them. Here are some suggestions that may help you. Sometimes individuals get dismissed as paranoid, but there are legitimate reasons for their paranoia. Check it out first.

It could help you understand why they believe these things. Express your desire to understand them. Listen to their concerns and fears with an open mind. Please give them the benefit of the doubt. They may be isolating themselves from so many people. You are their only open ear. Admit their feelings without agreeing or disagreeing with them. They will feel threatened by you and pull away if you respond negatively.

If you push them, it will only cause them to pull away from you, assuming you have bad motives. Reassure them of your love and concern. If you know, the paranoid person is getting worse and possibly heading towards a mental health crisis that could cause them to harm themselves or someone else.

You need to act. You should contact a mental health crisis line immediately to get help from a trained person in these situations. People who suffer from paranoia have difficulty coping in social settings like work, family gatherings, or at school. They may have mild to severe symptoms and display them, especially when they feel stress.

Hopefully, these symptoms, treatment, and the ways you can help them will guide you to help your friend or loved one. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles.

Article Summary. Part 1. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.

Help the person feel safer and more comfortable. If something in the environment is frightening them, take the person somewhere else.

Offer them some food or water. If the person takes medication, ask them when they last took a dose. If it was longer ago than the bottle instructs, make sure they take a dose as soon as possible. Ask questions. See if you can get the person to tell you more about their fears. This can help you figure out where the delusion is coming from and give you a better idea of how to reassure the person.

The person may also feel better after talking to you. Avoid arguing with the person. Arguing can even make the situation worse, since it will make the person feel like no one understands them. Focus on understanding how the person is feeling. Part 2. Help the person maintain a positive state of mind. Offer to help them come up with some mantras or affirmations to use when they start to feel paranoid. Help the person put their paranoid thoughts into perspective. Invite the person to share their thoughts with you or someone else they trust if they need a reality check.

Encourage the person to adopt balanced habits. A healthy lifestyle can make mental health issues easier to manage. Help your friend or family member find ways to cut down on stress, get enough rest, and maintain good diet and exercise habits. Go to source For example, including physical activity as a part of their daily routine can help improve their mood and boost cognitive functioning that may be impaired with paranoia.

Encourage the person to contribute in areas of life where they excel. Many people with paranoia-related issues have unique talents or a successful career. Recognize the areas where your friend or family member shines, and encourage them to keep doing things they enjoy and are good at. You might encourage them to submit their artwork to a local art contest to keep them occupied and focus on positive activities.

Prepare for crisis situations. Go to source Have the person keep this information with them at all times, such as written on a card or on a piece of paper. Part 3. Distinguish between paranoia and anxiety. Paranoia can look similar to anxiety on the surface, but these issues are actually very different. Paranoia involves delusional thoughts, while anxiety does not.

Anxiety is much more common than paranoia. Call for help if you think anyone is in danger. Move the person away from the cause of the fear or from noise and activity, if possible.

Ask the person to tell you what is causing the fear. Make a direct statement that you are not afraid. Focus the person on what is real. Tell the person everything you are going to do before you do it. For example, "I'm going take out my cell phone. For example, if the person is afraid of dogs, avoid them. Keep lights turned on if the person tells you that this makes him or her less scared.

Talk about the person's fears when he or she is not paranoid, and make a plan for handling the fears when they occur. Help the person make a list of his or her fears. At the end, consider asking the person to write, "These things are not going to hurt me.

These fears are symptoms of my illness. They will go away if I seek help.