Things have been going alright I guess.

Yesterday morning was interesting. I was approached by this guy who was clearly psychotic and very paranoid. I felt very bad for him, especially for how scared he was. He talked about a few different things, and he went from one to another, so it was kind of tricky trying to help, as the goal kept seeming to change. Two things could be accomplished across the street from where we were, but the traffic and noise were really freaking him out, so I offered to walk across the street with him. He didn't want one entrance, so we went to another. I did have to get to work, so I had to leave at that point and could only wish him well.

I've experienced some paranoia, but nothing like what he was. He felt that people were after him and that there was a sniper. My understanding is to not contradict a delusion, so I didn't, and just tried to offer reassurance that "I think" it would be ok and once an alternate explanation (he freaked over a car with IL plates, apparently thinking they had come all that way for him, and I suggested that they were probably just here vacationing). Did I do the right thing? It didn't seem to agitate or annoy him. In fact he seemed to kind of latch on a bit, perhaps appreciating being heard? Some kind of protection?? Any thoughts? I was just trying to be calm and listen and offer what compassion and reassurance I could. Any tips of anything else I could have done? I know people are different, but broadly speaking...

I did end up just missing the bus, but fortunately it was walkable, and I still got to work before opening.