[Lik3]

I have these paranoid thoughts that someone is out to harm me or just to get me. Is this common with bipolar disorder? How do I get over paranoia? It has gotten to bad I am afraid of going to bed for fear of someone harming me while sleeping.

[Lik3]

Originally Posted by paddym22

Hi Lik3

Yes this is a tough call. I too have a Dx of Bi Polar and get paranoid. I am medicated though I still get these thoughts, The important thing to remember is that these are just thoughts and not reality........I know, I know it is easy to say that. I found Mindfulness therapy very helpful, it is a means of getting ones thoughts back into the present. Dont be on your own and dont be afraid to speak out, we are all here to help each other get through this.

Be safe and be in the moment if you can.

Take care

Paddy

Thanks. Maybe I should focus on my moods because it is my depression that is making worse. I know it is a chemical imbalance but It is often that that causes the thoughts. It is even harder for be busy and have thoughts.

I found Abilify helped clear up my paranoia & delusional thinking very well (thought my husband was trying to poison me). Have been able to get off Abilify now after 12 yrs. with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

[bearchic34]

Seems from my research that the paranoia is very common with bp. My DH thought I was trying to put pills in his soda.
It's something you need to let whom ever perscribes your meds know that way they can keep an eye on it and/or fiddle with your meds to get something that helps more.
Remember meds for this are a trial & error, hit & miss type thing. Eventually you will find the perfect combintaion for you. Good luck

[thelionkinglives]

Speaking from the perspective of the one who thought my wife was putting the pills in my soda....I have to fight the parnoia.

The hard part for me is that being a math major I am very good at making rational sounding, logical sounding arguements not only to convince my self but others around me.

My hang up for a long time is the fact that I could point on specific factual events (sometimes) that have occured in my life that have led to rational mistrust...I mean it's not paranoid when you are relating it to factual events...

I have to be very careful about not getting hung up on if my thoughts are rationally understandable but are they currently occuring....

I go through so many episodes where I don't trust doctors, governments, law enforcement & if I can't lagitimize my mistrust, I can refer to a long list of cases that have occured...

where does being educated & cautious end & paranoia begin