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why98
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Default Jul 31, 2021 at 09:27 PM
  #1
How can you tell the difference between paranoia and worry?

I go through a lot of periods where I think my coworkers hate me and are trying to get me fired. My brain is on the constant lookout for proof. The fears affect everything I do. The thoughts cause a ton of anxiety and ruminating and fear. I want to sleep forever to escape the thoughts.

During the time where I'm not completely consumed with the thoughts, I realize that other people don't think about me that much. They're busy living their own complicated lives. Those rational thoughts don't last for long.

What if things that are happening point to the idea that they're trying to get my fired? Or what if these things are not happening and I'm being paranoid? How do you know if the bad things are actually true? It's not like I can ask one of these people if my thoughts are true.
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 01:20 AM
  #2
i think we all are always somewhat leary of just what our coworkers motives are up to. unfortunately there isnt much we can do about it other than to just let whatever might happen play out like its going to play out and move on from that point.
its really not going to help things any to keep yourself up in arms about being suspicious of every move everyone makes every single minute of every single day.. thats just going to upset the dynamics of the environment at work by creating tension and hostility and making it all that much more stressfull to have to work under each day.
just always remain vigilant about how you are doing your job . if you feel heeby about something that seems to be off somehow dont do a thing with it until you do a bit of double checking around to verify that the details are correct or not.
unless you know for a fact that the boss has put someone else in charge to take the lead on a project , dont fall for the words of anyone who is trying to boss you around .
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 02:53 AM
  #3
I certainly don't think paranoia has to equal psychosis. Depression and mania both affect our thinking at various levels of severity. As does anxiety. Have you talked to your therapist and psychiatrist about this? It might be good to have them help you investigate it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has a focus on challenging cognitive distortions that is perfect for such an issue.

You certainly might be totally wrong about your colleagues. Or if you're right to a degree, maybe they may have concern about you more than hate.
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 10:06 AM
  #4
I always thought paranoia was more of an *obsessive* thought/worry about a specific thing. And I agree with what Soupe said
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 12:56 PM
  #5
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Originally Posted by Que Sera Sera View Post
i think we all are always somewhat leary of just what our coworkers motives are up to. unfortunately there isnt much we can do about it other than to just let whatever might happen play out like its going to play out and move on from that point.
its really not going to help things any to keep yourself up in arms about being suspicious of every move everyone makes every single minute of every single day.. thats just going to upset the dynamics of the environment at work by creating tension and hostility and making it all that much more stressfull to have to work under each day.
just always remain vigilant about how you are doing your job . if you feel heeby about something that seems to be off somehow dont do a thing with it until you do a bit of double checking around to verify that the details are correct or not.
unless you know for a fact that the boss has put someone else in charge to take the lead on a project , dont fall for the words of anyone who is trying to boss you around .
Someone is trying to boss me around, you're right and I'm not going to take it anymore. And I'm going to confront that bully because that's the only way it's likely to stop.
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Ursula Shackleton View Post
I always thought paranoia was more of an *obsessive* thought/worry about a specific thing. And I agree with what Soupe said
This is obsessive worry about a specific thing. My mind is running from one thought to another literally constantly. It's exhausing. This has happened for several months. I've been talking therapist about it and will soon talk to my pdoc more about it because I have a meeting with him this week.
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 01:13 PM
  #7
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Originally Posted by why98 View Post
This is obsessive worry about a specific thing. My mind is running from one thought to another literally constantly. It's exhausing. This has happened for several months. I've been talking therapist about it and will soon talk to my pdoc more about it because I have a meeting with him this week.
It sounds exhausting, and I think it's wise to talk to the pdoc more about it.
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 03:47 PM
  #8
So Sorry you're going through this! Please Do not give up! i agree with the other wise and wonderful posters that the difference may be in how much of an obsession it is to you and how much impact it does on your own Life then. i think talking about this to your Pdoc and therapist is a Good idea. i Hope things will Improve really soon for everyone. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @why98, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!
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Default Aug 01, 2021 at 10:55 PM
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So Sorry you're going through this! Please Do not give up! i agree with the other wise and wonderful posters that the difference may be in how much of an obsession it is to you and how much impact it does on your own Life then. i think talking about this to your Pdoc and therapist is a Good idea. i Hope things will Improve really soon for everyone. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @why98, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!
@MickeyCheeky, thank you for your understanding and encouragement. It means a lot.
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Default Aug 02, 2021 at 06:53 AM
  #10
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@MickeyCheeky, thank you for your understanding and encouragement. It means a lot.
You're Very welcome!
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Default Aug 04, 2021 at 11:42 AM
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Default Aug 04, 2021 at 10:52 PM
  #12
I often obsess about how someone might dislike me or think negatively of me. Sometimes, I can confirm that it's true when I encounter the same person with the same reaction again. However, sometimes I'm being paranoid in situations like for example, a student whom I thought hates me and gives me bad evaluations suddenly thanks me and says they actually like my lessons.


When it comes to dating though, I trust my instincts. If I think a guy has bad intentions, then he usually has. It really depends on the situation. Now, I'm not sure how big the connection is between self-preservation instincts and paranoia.

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