One thing I've always hated to hear is when I tell someone I'm extremely paranoid and they say, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean there aren't people out to get you."

I recently came to my own conclusion that there is nothing more suspicious than a paranoid person.

So, how am I excepting and living with pretty bad paranoia? I think, wow, this sucks and it's scary as hell and it might really be happening. It's the unknown that is scaring us.

Just realize that no, you're not crazy, some people are going to think you look suspicious, but if you're not stealing anything, let them follow you around and try to scare you! Just don't be afraid, say oh well. Then, you won't look suspicious anymore and it's over, real or not!!

It's inevitable, when in public or at work or even just having more than one friend, yes, people will talk about you. But what are they saying and why are they saying it? Well, you may never know. It's the unknown. Trying to guess will only make you more paranoid. So try really hard to stop coming up with all the possibilities.

Once I said something I thought was funny, but then realized it's actually true and this made me feel better. What I said was, "I'd rather people talk behind my back than saying the mean things directly to my face, that would be scary."

So, yes, paranoia sucks. But if it's based in even the slimmest amount of possibility, then you have to work around the fact: It does not matter!