Hi John, welcome to PC!

I thoroughly read your post and I related to all of it, literally. I've had those feelings of paranoia, "signs" from people on the street, people trying to sabotage my work, even my life. Secret society, the whole bit.

That's good you have insight and I know how troubling it can feel.

For me, these are symptoms of psychosis due to delusions. I occasionally have these symptoms as part of my bipolar disorder 1, when I am under extreme stress for a long time. Antipsychotic medication clears it up quickly, the paranoia. I also have a lot of anxiety on a daily basis.

You're not alone and I'm glad you're here! PM me if you ever want to vent.