[Miss Laura]

Hi guys,

Sorry not been around in months life is definitely a roller coaster ride at the moment.

What do you guys do to help with the paranoia???

I have spoken to my Support Worker, CPN, Psychiatrist and Community Worker and no one can put my mind to rest. I live on my own in a flat with people above and below me. It's normally quiet since we are now in to Winter.

My fears; being broken into and finding someone in my flat when I wake up.

My front door is a heavy fire door so the only people who can get in are the police with their big heavy door slammers. No-one cam get in through the windows. I have a chain and lock on my door.

I have a golf club for security reasons and have just put battery operated lights down my stairs looks like a runway for an aeroplane.

I know it's stupid and it's an irrational thought in my head but it won't leave me. I get paranoid when out and about but I have my music to distract me. In the house the TV is always on be it a programme, music or dvd

[Goldcrest]

Hi Miss Laura

I get paranoid when psychotic, and that usually affects me when depressed rather than manic. The last couple of times I was convinced people were trying to get into my flat all the time, and were actually getting in and moving things around.

Last time I didn't deal with it very well, and ended up in hospital. However even when having those experiences, which feel as if they are real, part of me knows it's not logical. It seems that you also know those thoughts are not based in reality. Trouble is it feels so real. Next time I am just going to try to root myself in reality, though difficult.

I would also like to know if anyone has found a way to cope better with this type of experience.

[Victoria'smom]

My sister has that fear. She has alarms on all her windows, 2 pitts and knives hidden everywhere. She over does it. I my dog is very protective. If I lived on my own I'd have a trained attack dog but a "non-aggressive" breed, attack lab.

[hamster-bamster]

Just saying that it is nice to see you. It has been awhile since you posted last time.

I have this tangentially related question: do you wake up on your own or when an alarm clock rings?

I am asking because I feel infinitely better when I wake up on my own. I have read online that many people are like that and that alarms, for such people, are major stressors. So I am wondering if you might be anxious because of the alarm. If it is the case, I have read about alarms that work with your circadian rhythms (no idea how they do it) and thus wake you up gently at an opportune moment and not all of a sudden in the middle of deep sleep. Maybe you will be less anxious then.

I do not have paranoia, but I have anxiety, and reading other people's accounts of their paranoia, I sometimes see similarities between that and anxiety. So maybe a calmer morning routine would help.

Also, if by any chance you are superstitious, maybe there is a ritual that could put your mind to rest. Or an object. I mean - you are in touch with reality; you took reasonable precautions; you recognize that the fear is irrational - why not combat it with something equally irrational? An amulet, a special incense, saying a special phrase before going to bed - something along those lines. A birth stone, perhaps (say, you can hang a pendant with your birth stone on the door handle inside your flat). Whatever will make you feel safe does not have to be scientific or high-tech.

[Miss Laura]

Hey Hamster bamster,

A www thanks nice to see you too! If I didn't use an alarm clock I would sleep ALL day. I struggle to sleep and get up.

I was going to buy a night light? I'm not scared of the dark though. Will think about what I can do to keep the irrational thoughts at bay. Maybe thinking of getting door chimes but unsure if they would drive me mad lol!

[Miss Laura]

Thanks guys for all your responses.... I get paranoid a lot it doesn't happened just when I'm manic or depressed. I can get paranoid on a normal day when I'm walking in town or just sitting.... I have my music on ALL the time.... sometimes I think I'm going insane!

[tallulahxoxo]

Do you have a dog? I got a puppy and that has helped me a lot. (: Mine is little because I love little dogs. But a lot of my friends have big dogs incase someone robs them. Everything isn't perfect now that I have a dog but it helps and I'm going to certify him as my service dog so I can take him everywhere. (:

[hamster-bamster]

Research before you buy that night light, Laura. I have not read anything about the role of dark and light in bipolar, but I keep seeing those issues mentioned everywhere. Maybe complete darkness at night is better. It is worth finding out. And, money-wise, maybe one of those "smart" alarms that work with your circadian rhythm is a better investment than a night light.

I like the idea of door chimes. I doubt that they would drive you mad, unless you have visitors all day long day in and day out! There are so many different door chimes - if you spend some time looking, you will find some whose sound is pleasant to your ears. It might be a decor piece, too!

[Miss Laura]

Hey guys, I'm still to buy a light. I am getting a light box... as my CPN has said he thinks I suffer from SAD. So this might help my moods. The paranoia is still here and is still happening whenever and wherever. Had a really tough afternoon at Drama Therapy and feel really pants. Just need to moan sorry!