They can help somewhat, yes. Ativan can calm the physical symptoms such as racing heart, flushing and sweating. It's possible to have PPD and bipolar too. Antidepressants helped my paranoia in the beginning and made is TOO easy for me to interact with people which led to increased paranoia as the mania built from the AD's. how did you react to AD's?

When did your paranoia start and what kind do you have? I have paranoia from people and interactions. I have social anxiety disorder. It was assumed for years it had to do with being attacked several times from about ages 14-18 but my mother and I clearly remember me being paranoid about people even as early as age 3. They made me very uncomfortable. My mom thinks it's because my brother (who is 6 years older) was physically and mentally abusive but I feel it was just part of who I am. I don't trust people because many are not trustworthy. I have a radar that goes off and tells me certain people are not safe (based on body language and facial expressions). While my radar goes overboard and haywire, there is usually truth to what it tells me. It's possible to be paranoid, even if people truly are out to get me though as my mind manifests it's own sinister narrative about people's intentions.

Meds can help a little or a lot, depending on the underlying cause. I have been diagnosed with BP1 and schizoeffective bipolar type with PTSD as a reason for my symptoms but it's more complicated than that. Regardless of the cause, it sucks very badly and I'm deeply sorry you suffer with it.