[Tierdofthis]

So I have to post five times, welcome to time number two. My question is how to deal with paranoia with out meds. Its creating a lot of anxiety, for which I also have no meds for (nine months pregnant). I know im being paranoid becuase I usually dont think the way I have been for a couple of days. Im too scared to tell my spouse symtoms are coming back for fear she'll leave, but I think shes getting tired of this illness again, tired of the stress of not having a normal spouse. But all of them are coming back and I dont know what to do, I call my counseling/pdoc place and they always ask if I am in crisis, im like no I dont think so. So they dont care. There was never any instructions given on how to deal with all these symptoms that didnt involve go to the hosptal if your suicidal, if not just deal best way you can until your suicidal. So what do I do??? Im not trying to get to that point.

[Raindropvampire]

Knowing that you are suffering from paranoia (at least for me) is the key. I rationalize it out. I know my husband loves me. I know these are my demons. I know this is bad chemistry in my head.

I occasionally see, hear and smell things that aren't there. Whenever I ask someone about what I just experienced and they tell me they didn't experience it my gut reaction is they're in on it!!! BUT I know rationally that's not true I just have to work my way through it.

I can't even imagine how hard it is with pregnancy hormones tossed in the mix. Wishing you strength.

Do you have a favorite author of affirmations that you like? I use to post index cards with a saying to the mirror, coffee machine, front door, refrigerator about how i was a person of value, i mattered. and other such affirmations that i heard that meant something positive to me. it can be words of your therapist, of a minister, a sacred book, a poet or author. And i would hold onto those words and they helped my mind dwell on the present, it kept me grounded. I hope these ideas help, tc

It always helps me to make up lists. Lists like Evidence For/Against something. Lists like Mood Logs (feeling, cognative thinking style, alternative thoughts). You can find examples of these on most CBT websites.