Understanding

Paranoia

Paranoia involves intense, irrational mistrust or suspicion of others, which can range from mild to severe. It may occur as part of other mental health conditions or on its own, and can significantly impact relationships and daily life.

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What does paranoia feel like?

You may feel constantly on guard, suspicious, or believe others are out to harm or deceive you. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and difficulty trusting even close friends or family.

How to overcome paranoia with therapy

Therapy, especially CBT, helps you challenge unhelpful beliefs, understand triggers, and develop healthier thinking patterns. Medication may be used if paranoia is linked to another mental health condition.

Through paranoia counselling, you can:

  • Identify and challenge suspicious thoughts

  • Develop coping strategies for anxiety and mistrust

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-awareness and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing paranoia

  • Recognise patterns: Notice when and why suspicious thoughts arise.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a therapist for assessment and support.

  • Engage in therapy: Work on challenging beliefs and building trust.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if paranoia is severe or persistent.

  • Strengthen support: Connect with trusted people to reduce isolation.

Understanding

Paranoia

Paranoia involves intense, irrational mistrust or suspicion of others, which can range from mild to severe. It may occur as part of other mental health conditions or on its own, and can significantly impact relationships and daily life.

Line drawing of a profile view of a person's face, highlighting facial features and expression.
Abstract gradient design with soft, light colors transitioning from pale green to cream.

What does paranoia feel like?

You may feel constantly on guard, suspicious, or believe others are out to harm or deceive you. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and difficulty trusting even close friends or family.

How to overcome paranoia with therapy

Therapy, especially CBT, helps you challenge unhelpful beliefs, understand triggers, and develop healthier thinking patterns. Medication may be used if paranoia is linked to another mental health condition.

Through paranoia counselling, you can:

  • Identify and challenge suspicious thoughts

  • Develop coping strategies for anxiety and mistrust

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-awareness and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing paranoia

  • Recognise patterns: Notice when and why suspicious thoughts arise.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a therapist for assessment and support.

  • Engage in therapy: Work on challenging beliefs and building trust.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if paranoia is severe or persistent.

  • Strengthen support: Connect with trusted people to reduce isolation.

Understanding

Paranoia

Paranoia involves intense, irrational mistrust or suspicion of others, which can range from mild to severe. It may occur as part of other mental health conditions or on its own, and can significantly impact relationships and daily life.

Abstract gradient design with soft, light colors transitioning from pale green to cream.

What does paranoia feel like?

You may feel constantly on guard, suspicious, or believe others are out to harm or deceive you. This can lead to isolation, anxiety, and difficulty trusting even close friends or family.

How to overcome paranoia with therapy

Therapy, especially CBT, helps you challenge unhelpful beliefs, understand triggers, and develop healthier thinking patterns. Medication may be used if paranoia is linked to another mental health condition.

Through paranoia counselling, you can:

  • Identify and challenge suspicious thoughts

  • Develop coping strategies for anxiety and mistrust

  • Improve relationships and communication

  • Build self-awareness and resilience

Step-by-step guide to managing paranoia

  • Recognise patterns: Notice when and why suspicious thoughts arise.

  • Seek professional help: Consult a therapist for assessment and support.

  • Engage in therapy: Work on challenging beliefs and building trust.

  • Consider medication: Discuss with your doctor if paranoia is severe or persistent.

  • Strengthen support: Connect with trusted people to reduce isolation.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

Let's find your perfect therapist.

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Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.

Tailored support from trusted Manchester-based therapists — in-person or online.

A stylized bee logo features a yellow bee body with black stripes and a curved line representing the bee's flight path.
A stylized bee logo features a yellow bee body with black stripes and a curved line representing the bee's flight path.