[jackaroo122]

This is what I have..My co-worker has become very paranoid, thinking that all of his co-workers are plotting against him. It is totally irrational. He thinks we are recording him. I have known him for many years and never seen this before. He said he went to a christian counselor and I am telling him he needs professional psychological help. He has always been a little on the paranoid side but has been under alot of stress and not sleeping much. Also, he made mention this happens every 5 years. What is this?? It just gives us all a very eerie feeling. Thanks all.

[Rhapsody]

It could be the starting stage of Schizophrenia but he would have to see a T to be sure.

[Junerain]

What a caring co-worker you are!And all of your co-workers, if all they have reported is an 'eerie feeling' no one has launched into names, verbal attacks, sounds like you have a very mature workplace, how refreshing, because people often come here with quite the opposite report, when they have issues at work......

Could you recommend this website to him? Explain that there are things a psychiatrist can do that a Chrisitan counselor cannot? Show him some literature about mental illness, you could say you have a family member or friend that also has it, as a way of showing understanding?

[gimmeice]

Hello jackaroo, it's nice to meet you. I agree with what junerain has said, I hope your coworker gets the help he needs.
If you have any questions feel free to private message any community liaison or moderator, here is a link to a list of forum leaders.
http://forums.psychcentral.com/showgroups.php

[Pomegranate]

I can relate to what he is going through. I was diagnosed years ago as schizoaffective. But I was also in a major depression that was untreated, which can also cause delusions.

Anyway when I am under alot of stress I become very paranoid. I begin to think that people are doing things "on purpose" to hurt or humiliate me. When this first happened to me I thought my home was bugged and people were watching me. Like your co-worker.

You are right to keep gently recommending that your co-worker go get professional help, a psychiatrist especially to get him on some appropriate meds to help him through this time. Of course I can tell you it's very tough to accept help when you are feeling this way. I feel I can't trust anyone. It's not so bad for me anymore as I have learned to get help, therapy, meds, and just how to deal (ignore) with those paranoid type thoughts. But I find if I have too much stress in my life - which for me isn't much at all compared to most people - the paranoia really kicks in and makes life hell for me and those around me.

If you can continue to be gentle, understanding and kind but insistent that his paranoia is a sign that he needs professional help and medication, it might be helpful to him. Perhaps a small group of co-workers, who are truly concerned and can communicate this to him, can try approaching him in a nonthreatening way.

Does he have family that you (or someone in an appropriate position at work) can contact? This might be something to try also, let them know how concerned you are about him and his paranoid symptoms.