[LacunaCoiler]

So I know paranoia is a common feeling when it comes to bipolar and I’ve had small paranoid feelings before but nothing like this. I’ve had the occasional 'something is going to happen' or I’ve got that whole ‘someone is out there’ feeling, but today it’s a full on different story. I fell like people are following me everywhere I go since I left the house to go to work today and now that I’m at work I feel like whoever is on the phone is asking about me. Things like ‘have I left work?’ or ‘Am I still at my desk?’. It’s making it hard to concentrate and I’m having panic attack signs like the tightness in my chest, the shaking hands, the knotted stomach, the urge to breakdown and cry while locking myself in my office.

I guess my question is how do you all deal with something like this? Is there away to deal with this other then inpatient because that gives me a whole new set of paranoid feelings. Am I just nuts or am I actually paranoid for a good reason?

[Morigan]

Hi

I have always had this "something is going to happen" feeling. Especially when things are going ok.

Two weeks ago I was at the pharmacy to get my meds. There are 2 dispensing counters
1) Prescription Meds 2) Self Medication OTC

I saw this man that looked familiar, standing in the queue for OTC. He gave me a few side way glances. Then ( I swear ) it looked like he took a picture of me with his phone.

Here is the freaky part, he left the queue without getting anything. He wandered around the pharmacy I saw him leaving the pharmacy (EMPTY HANDED) as I was standing in the queue to pay. He went into the clothing shop next door. Being paranoid I had a look around when I left the pharmacy. I waited for him to go out of the clothing shop first. I kept a low profile.I saw him coming out of the clothing shop with a small purchase. something that fits in an accessories bag/something small you buy at the till point . He was looking around when he came out - but not more than a normal person would.

Then subtly I walked behind him, keeping a save distance. He turned around once and was definitely surprised to see me. then he phoned someone.

I tried to rationalise it this way : The queue at the OTC was long he probably got impatient and scanned the shelves for something he might be able to use for whatever he needed. Then he left because he could not find it. He went into the clothing shop to buy something, and probably just phoned a friend afterwards.

Anyhow- I remembered where i saw him before. In the parking lot. I remembered because he was staring at me, while in conversation with one of those car wash dudes and stopped talking while i walked past.

This happened about two days before the pharmacy incident.

It is possible that he also frequents the mall. I thought about the whole situation afterwards. I was scared Shaitless, Full blown anxiety attack, my legs were shaking I could barely walk or breathe.

Mmmmmm, just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you...

But I think there must be a line. A healthy distinction between maybe, be careful and don't be silly girl.

I stay in South Africa so crime is abundant....

[avlady]

That's scarry!!!

[Victoria'smom]

That's when I take my prn's. One is an anti-psychotic and the other is an anti-anxiety. I don't feel paranoia is automatic hospitalization.