[Zebra821]

I spent my college days hiding in my room. I was convinced at first that the air was going to get sucked out of the atmosphere. Then I just KNEW that an apocalypse was going to happen, and I slept with weapons under my pillow. Then after that I was so sure that people were just going to turn on me and try to eat me.

... These are all silly fears, but I just KNEW they were going to happen. Has anyone else gotten that paranoid? I also suffer from trichotillomania and dermatillomania. I rip apart my lips and eye lashes and scalp. I was diagnosed with OCD when I was a child. (I am obsessed with germs and contamination) and I'm not sure if these are normal OCD symptoms? I was put on 200 mg of zoloft and it's helped a little bit.
Thanks!

[Travelinglady]

Hey, Zebra821, and welcome! It could be that you have OCD and some version of paranoia. I suggest you talk to a doc about your symptoms.

[Gakkari]

That definitely sounds like paranoia. One of the big signs of paranoia are fears without substantial reasoning for them. An example would be this one man, just a plain average man, who was constantly afraid of the FBI, thinking they were always watching him and listening in on his calls. I am no professional though, so you should consult one yourself, these fears are obviously interfering with your day to day life if they keep you in your room all day.

[Jamles]

I thought that my wife was trying to kill me by poisoning my toothbrush. I still brushed my teeth though. I told her this and she told me that I was silly. I found that if you question these thoughts right away it can help dismiss them. I still have thoughts like this but not as strong.