Simply put: Paranoia is the belief or a state of mind which makes you think that you are being threatened in some way, even if there is no or very little evidence that you are. Paranoid thoughts are also referred to as delusions. And a person can have different thoughts that make them equally worried and threatened.
Some of the most severe feelings of paranoid can result from particularly negative past experiences. Take, for example, the Asian Financial Crisis when the majority of east and South East Asian countries suffered heavily. It made the lives of ordinary citizens extremely difficult particularly in developing countries like Indonesia.
Recommended read: The Noah Principle is a comparative literature that turns a much-needed spotlight on the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997-98. The novel fuses a real-time depiction of the crisis with a story that takes the reader on a remarkable journey with two friends trying to survive the murderous paranoia of their company’s founder amidst an explosion of Anti-Chinese violence that tore through the capital city of Jakarta. It also introduces the world to Lena Ngurawan, the Indonesian heroine who blasts out from the shadowy sidelines of this novel, bravely coping with all kinds of pressures at home, at work and in wider society.
However, if you are concerned that your thoughts are paranoid, you are most likely suffering from anxiety. If your anxiety isn’t caused by anything obvious and doesn’t seem to improve or disappear, you should consult a doctor. Anxiety and panic that lasts for a long time or interferes with your daily life may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder, which can lead to paranoia.
Here are some common paranoia symptoms that you can look for if you think of having some:
- Having a hostile, defensive, and aggressive attitude
- Being easily irritated
- Being unable to relax or let down your guard because you believe you are always correct.
- Unwillingness to compromise, forgive, or accept criticism
- Inability to put one’s trust in others
If you are unfortunate enough to be experiencing this sort of behavior or attitude, it is preferable to consult a doctor before the condition worsens. Additionally, there are some practical steps you can take to reduce or minimize Paranoia at the earliest opportunity.
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Take care of yourself: You may not be able to prevent paranoia attacks, but you can make yourself feel more at ease when they occur. And the best way to do this is self-care. Self-care can include relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, and reading a good book like The Noah Principle. You can also go for anything you love or like—which may include cooking, cleaning, or simply going on a pleasant walk to reduce the effect of paranoia.
Keep a diary: keeping a journal might be helpful in releasing tension and paranoid thoughts. Jotting down the things such as:
- What are your paranoid thoughts
- What you think of them
- How frequently do you feel about them
- Other life events that provide you stress
All can help you to regulate your mood and attitude. Additionally, journaling is a proven way to relax the mind and ease tension. You can also keep track of your nutrition, exercise, and other activities to see if there is a pattern that reduces the number or duration of paranoid spells. This enables you to make lifestyle modifications that may minimize the frequency of these attacks.
Get support from your loved ones: Relatives and friends can be excellent sources of comfort. They can assist you in receiving the necessary treatment and even avoid situations that trigger paranoia in the first place. It is however, absolutely critical to be open and honest with them about your circumstances. You may wish to conceal your symptoms from those you care about, but it is better to talk to them when you notice paranoia coming in so they can offer you the required support.
In addition to the preceding techniques for dealing with paranoia, it is strongly advised that you follow healthy living practices. A healthy diet, regular exercise, restorative sleep, and appropriate relaxation techniques such as reading The Noah Principle or any other book can all help you feel more peaceful and balanced.